A key highlight of the meeting was the detailed presentation of the redevelopment plan for the former TGI Fridays site. The Bentley Realty Group, represented by a legal team and expert witnesses, sought approval for a major preliminary and final site plan along with D-variance relief. The proposal aims to convert the defunct restaurant space into a Dunkin’ Donuts and a Jimmy John’s, featuring a drive-thru and additional retail space. The board heard from a civil engineer who elaborated on the specifics of the site, emphasizing that the proposed use was conforming in terms of zoning, though variance relief was needed because of a non-conforming gym within the shopping center.

The redevelopment plan involves minor expansions, including two small building additions to accommodate drive-thru windows, and an overall footprint increase of approximately 200 to 225 square feet. Site improvements will include comprehensive milling and repaving of the parking areas, which will enhance both aesthetics and functionality. An external cooler will be maintained, and additional freezer storage will be added to the south side of the building to increase operational capacity. The project also aims to reduce motor vehicle coverage by about 800 square feet and overall parking coverage by around 2,800 square feet. The parking configuration will improve, reducing demand compared to the previous restaurant use.

The board scrutinized various variance requests, including those related to front yard setbacks, buffer requirements along Route 9, and parking. The proposed plan calls for 123 parking spaces, while the existing configuration includes only 70 spaces, necessitating variances that reflect a reduction in parking requirements. No electric vehicle parking spaces are proposed, as the increase in spaces does not exceed the threshold for this requirement. The board professionals suggested adding a row of shrubs to mitigate headlight glare, and the applicant agreed to this enhancement.

The meeting also addressed the project’s compliance with several operational and utility management aspects. The Dunkin’ Donuts will have an internal grease trap, and there are plans to collaborate with local authorities to ensure grease management compliance. Stormwater management commitments include maintaining existing drainage systems. Lighting and landscaping plans were presented, with proposals to add new fixtures and introduce 38 trees, 112 shrubs, and 55 ornamental grasses to buffer Route 9 visually.

Signage was a notable point of discussion, with plans to relocate an existing monument sign to improve visibility and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The proposal includes ten signs for the building, with a reduction in overall signage square footage from 286 to 161 square feet. Variances for sign placement are needed due to positioning relative to the building’s entry and visibility for Route 9 traffic.

Attention also turned to a residential application on Purdue Road, where the homeowner sought a D4 variance to add a second floor to her single-family house, exceeding the maximum floor area ratio. The applicant, Jessica Kriscowski, explained the addition was intended to accommodate her parents, who were downsizing. The proposal included maintaining the existing ranch-style home footprint and adding a partial second floor that would serve as an in-law suite. The board expressed concern about the addition resembling a separate dwelling unit due to the inclusion of a kitchenette, though it was clarified that the kitchenette would not include cooking facilities.

The board discussed the potential need for a deed notice to ensure the property remains a single-family dwelling and prevent future rental arrangements. They agreed to include a condition in the resolution that prohibits installing cooking facilities without further board review. The applicant also agreed to a flexible deed notice instead of a strict deed restriction to allow for future zoning changes.