The proposal, presented by the project team including Ned and JD Wild, aims to renovate the old bank building into a quick-service fresh food market. The site plan includes an outdoor patio with a pergola and aims to retain the historic character of the structure while enhancing public features like signage, landscaping, and outdoor seating. The development preserves the existing seven on-site parking spaces and includes accommodations for bicycles. The lighting plan complies with Dark Sky International standards, utilizing a combination of gas-fired and electric fixtures.

During the meeting, the board members engaged in a discussion about the pergola’s design, focusing on its aesthetic qualities and functional capabilities. The debate revolved around whether the term “pergola” adequately captured the structure’s design, which features an automated louvered roof that can close to provide shelter from rain. This feature was highlighted as a way to extend the patio’s usability throughout the year. However, concerns were raised about whether specifying this design in the approval might limit the applicant’s options if they decided to pursue a different structure in the future. The board recognized the importance of maintaining flexibility in the design while ensuring compliance with the approved parameters.

One board member expressed a preference for a specific pergola design style, noting that some options appeared too industrial and did not harmonize with the formal architecture of the nearby building. The member emphasized the need for the pergola to complement the existing structure’s detailed design. The board reached a consensus that a design featured in the presentation’s upper left image was the most desirable, given its detailed columns and less industrial appearance.

Further discussions centered on the pergola’s screening, with a board member inquiring about the visibility and material of the lower mesh side. It was confirmed that the screen would be high visibility, offering some protection against bugs and wind without presenting a solid barrier.

The meeting progressed with procedural actions to close the public hearing on the site plan approval. A motion to close the hearing was made, seconded, and unanimously approved by the board. Subsequently, the board moved to approve the site plan as amended during the meeting, a motion that also passed without dissent. The collaborative effort among the board members and the project team was acknowledged and appreciated.

In other business, the board postponed a discussion regarding a separate matter on River Street due to the absence of a board member who had not reviewed the application. An email containing new language related to the pergola design was requested and agreed to be sent promptly.

The board concluded the meeting by entering an executive session to address an open meeting law complaint and discuss strategy related to pending litigation. The decision to enter the executive session was made to protect the board’s position in upcoming legal matters. The board confirmed it would not return to open session after concluding the executive session discussions.