Key approvals at the meeting involved Judy Krillan’s side setback variance for property improvements, including an expanded kitchen, dining area, and a new garage. The Board carefully considered the impact on the neighborhood and the septic system concerns before granting the variance. The second major approval was granted to Lea Dolan, who proposed repurposing a property into a bakery cafe within the Village Neighborhood Zone District. The Board engaged in a detailed examination of the zoning code to determine if the proposed use met the area’s zoning regulations, ultimately approving the project to move forward.

Krillan’s variance application sparked discussions about the compatibility of her property’s expansion with the neighborhood. The Board’s inquiries covered the proposed addition’s size, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and their effects on the existing septic system. Ensuring consistency with the community’s character was a priority, and after examination, the Board approved the application, allowing the property improvements to commence.

Dolan’s interpretation application for a bakery cafe brought forth discussions on the historical use of the property and its potential impact on traffic and neighborhood dynamics. Dolan presented her vision for the property, aiming to create a community hub with a bakery, cafe, and space for creative workshops. The Board debated the need for a site plan review due to Dolan’s proposed changes, including outdoor seating and the potential use of a former bank’s drive-thru window. Concerns about the definition of a restaurant, square footage limitations for mixed uses, and the classification of teaching classes as an accessory use were addressed.

The Board also tackled the issue of signage ordinances, recognizing the need for clearer guidelines and enforcement mechanisms. The discussion covered various aspects, such as the clarification of sign ordinances, adjusting bulk standards for signs, and permitting window stencils. Enforcement challenges were acknowledged, particularly regarding businesses not obtaining permits for their signs and the prevalent use of unauthorized pennant signs. Suggestions included a potential waiver for site plans solely related to signage.

Another point of interest was the joint meeting between the Historic Commission and the Land Use Board. The aim was to review ordinances and make recommendations, with a focus on the interaction between Historic Commission and zoning ordinances. A grant application to support ordinance revisions and GIS mapping was mentioned.

The meeting concluded with a motion to confirm the proposed bakery use as permitted in the VN3 zone, with conditions such as the exclusion of table service and space limitations of under 1200 square feet each. This approval allowed Dolan to move forward with her plans, subject to other necessary approvals. A resident’s concern regarding the impact on the neighboring residential property was also addressed, with the board assuring that a substantial buffer would be established once a site plan was developed.