The application, numbered 23 col 531 sk3, presented by a partner of the firm Lino Taylor, sought preliminary and final major site plan approval, including minor C variances and a waiver for the submission of separate sheets for final and preliminary site plans. The project aims to transform the underutilized land into a productive asset, repurposing the existing three-story building into a modern warehouse while adhering to a 45-foot height requirement and providing 53 parking spaces, among which two are for electric vehicles (EVs).

During the meeting, the director of land for K Group, a family-owned company with extensive experience in residential and industrial development, provided an overview of the company’s background and the project’s intent to serve local necessity-based warehouses. The proposed warehouse, distinct from high-volume fulfillment centers, is designed to maintain the character of the commercial corridor and improve the site’s current condition, which has seen the office building vacant for four years.

The redevelopment plan includes 11 loading docks, a redesigned driveway to accommodate WB 67 vehicles, and a parking area that meets current standards, despite concerns raised over driveway width and vehicle size. The utility plan proposes electric, sewer, water, and fire protection upgrades, along with new stormwater management features that align with green infrastructure standards. These features seek to address stormwater runoff effectively with bio retention basins and four new detention basins.

The board engaged in discussions about the architectural elements of the proposed building, including the use of insulated loadbearing painted pre-cast concrete panels, high-performance glazing, and architectural accent panels. The project’s focus on sustainability extends to the stormwater management system designed to enhance the treatment of stormwater runoff and the inclusion of EV parking spaces.

Concerns regarding noise pollution, refrigerated truck operations, hours of operation, and emergency access were addressed, with the project’s representatives emphasizing compliance with state regulations. The proposal’s traffic impact was also a subject of discussion, with the traffic engineer presenting an analysis that suggested the warehouse trips would be well below the threshold for an increase in traffic, and the site driveways would operate under favorable conditions.

The public raised issues related to noise, flooding, and the impact on neighboring properties, while the board and the applicant negotiated conditions of approval, including engineering recommendations, sidewalk installation, and turf geogrid maintenance. The board voted in favor of the application after confirming these conditions.