The Bayside Restaurant’s application to expand its outdoor seating area was the centerpiece of the discussions. The restaurant sought to extend the non-sheltered area by approximately 1800 square feet, which had originally been increased under COVID-19 restrictions to allow for social distancing. The proposal ignited a examination by the board and the public, who voiced concerns regarding the seating area’s proximity to the road and the potential for increased parking issues. Residents Norman Buck and Susan McQueen were particularly vocal, citing historical parking challenges and the risks associated with aggressive parking behavior. The restaurant’s representatives assured their willingness to comply with the board’s requirements and addressed questions regarding the establishment’s parking plan, the number of parking spaces available, and the location of employee parking. The discussion also considered the need for safety measures, such as barriers or planters, to protect diners from traffic.

Further complicating the Bayside Restaurant’s situation was the presence of the Mermaid truck, a registered vehicle that prompted questions about its effect on parking and the potential expansion of the restaurant’s facilities. Additionally, the board discussed the possibility of lowering the speed limit on surrounding streets due to the increased traffic associated with the restaurant. The board stressed the importance of a comprehensive site plan and parking management strategy to address these multifaceted concerns.

In another matter, the board voted to grant Ronald C. Richard a special permit for the conversion of an existing single-family home into a one-bedroom accessory apartment. Richard detailed that the apartment would be within the allowed square footage, and a deed restriction would be applied to maintain only one bedroom. The board’s conditions for approval addressed the use and occupancy of the apartment, parking, and septic system requirements, implementing a 20-day waiting period for the special permit.

Parking regulations for restaurants were also on the agenda, as a restaurant owner expressed the need for flexibility in light of the ongoing impact of COVID-19. The board agreed to a continuance, setting a date to allow the restaurant to provide additional information on the site, parking, and safety measures. The debate touched upon jurisdiction over parking off the property and the potential involvement of the police department in managing the issue.

The board further engaged in an discussion about a property on Old Harbor Road, where confusion over lot numbers and ownership status necessitated more information from the planning board. Legal questions related to detached and attached units prompted the suggestion to consult the town attorney to preempt excessive deliberation and expenses.

The meeting concluded with the board discussing the potential for revising decisions made in previous years, with an emphasis on the impact of such changes and the need for Town Council opinions to circumvent protracted discussions and costs. The issue of legal fees arose, sparking a debate about the allocation of the legal budget to the zoning board of appeals for various properties. Lastly, the board tackled zoning bylaws related to short-term rentals, debating the minimum stay requirement to strike a balance between rental needs and neighborhood peace.