The board first focused on the logistics of placing the hot dog cart at the corner of Station Road and Liberty Way. Dennis Williams explained his initial intention to place the cart in his horseshoe driveway but acknowledged potential traffic and parking issues. He proposed moving the cart to the corner, which he believed would alleviate these concerns. However, the board questioned the visibility and safety of this location, given a past pedestrian accident at the intersection.

Parking emerged as a concern. The curb at the proposed location is painted yellow, indicating no parking, which could exacerbate traffic congestion if patrons began parking closer to the cart. A fire hydrant near the corner also necessitated clear access for emergency services. One participant noted, “the curb is painted yellow which typically means no parking,” emphasizing the need to keep the area clear for traffic flow.

The board debated the implications of parking on Station Road versus Liberty Way. Vehicles parking on the shoulder of Station Road could pose safety risks, while parking on Liberty Way might be slightly more manageable. The potential for parking congestion and the need for clear pathways for both vehicles and pedestrians were central to the discussion. One board member suggested, “I want the county to say okay and I want the Middlesex County Health officer to say okay,” highlighting the necessity for external endorsements.

Visibility and pedestrian safety were recurring themes. Questions arose about whether the cart would be visible from all directions and if the intersection’s configuration would allow for safe traffic flow. A participant inquired, “the left turn out of the driveway would be a concern,” indicating potential hazards for vehicles merging into traffic. The board also considered the intersection’s accident history, which further complicated the decision-making process.

The practicality of the cart’s placement was another focal point. The board examined the site’s layout, including the feasibility of positioning the cart on grass at the curb. Williams assured the board that there was adequate space and that sidewalks provided clear pathways for pedestrians. However, concerns about tractor trailers accessing the site and the restrictive nature of the site’s configuration were noted. One participant stated, “you’re not going to put a tractor trailer into that for put up a sign no trucks practically tractor trailers would be prohibited from going to.”

The board also discussed the design waivers necessary for the cart’s approval. These waivers included parking setbacks and driveway width, with the proposed driveway width of 12 feet falling short of the required 30 feet for commercial uses. The board was informed that these waivers would need to be granted alongside any use variance for the hot dog stand.

Operational logistics were another topic of discussion. Conditions for operating the hot dog stand included that it must be a hand-operated cart and that only residents of the property could operate it. Approval from the county and municipal health officer was also deemed necessary before operations could commence. The board emphasized the importance of removing the cart at night and ensuring that signage did not obstruct sightlines on the driveway.

As the board neared a decision, they encapsulated their findings and moved to approve the application with specified conditions and waivers. These conditions included the stipulation that all car parking be contained on-site and that directional signage be installed if the cart was located in the driveway. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously after a roll call.