The meeting opened with the appointment of Ken Lori as the Planning Board Chairman and Michael Sylvester as the Vice Chair for the Diamond Ship application. The board then transitioned to a court-ordered hearing to address the revised application of DCR Diamond Chip Realty. The legal debate centered on whether the revised project constituted a substantial amendment requiring new notice and a fresh start to the application process. The applicant’s attorney argued that the prior hearings should be void as a matter of law due to conflicts of interest and that the changes to the project necessitated treating it as a new application. The board resolved not to use the old record for the current proceedings and concluded that the notice provided was compliant with municipal law and case law.

Architect Richard Saunderson presented the updated plans, which included significant reductions in building size and the number of dock doors. Changes were made in response to previous board comments and suggestions, such as eliminating front yard storage, adjusting building proximity to the rail line, and reducing the overall size of the warehouses. The changes aimed to create a campus-like setting with larger buildings positioned further from the street and smaller ones closer to improve visibility and aesthetics.

The board and public scrutinized the revised project design, with a particular focus on fire safety and environmental impact. However, the board raised questions about the building’s proximity to the aquifer that supplies a large portion of Sparta’s water and the potential impact on wetlands.

The meeting also delved into the architectural design of the complex, with discussions about building materials, the placement of HVAC units, and the potential for the roofs to be solar-ready in line with state statutes. The applicant’s presentation emphasized the industrial nature of the warehouse while striving to create an attractive campus-like setting for the community.

The board members and professionals engaged in thoughtful dialogue and inquiries to gain a comprehensive understanding of the proposed project and ensure that the proceedings adhered to all legal and procedural requirements.