The meeting’s primary highlight was the board’s unanimous approval of an amendment to a special permit for outdoor dining at Villana. Philip Bonavita, the landscape architect for the proposal, presented the details to the board, emphasizing compliance with requirements from various departments, such as the Water Department and the Department of Public Works. The proposal included provisions for 15 parking spots, which were necessary to meet the stipulations for the expanded outdoor dining area.

During the discussion, board members considered conditions to be attached to the permit, such as the submission of a notice of decision to the Hampton County registry of deeds and the provision of a plumbing fixture count to ensure sufficient restroom facilities. The board also deliberated on seating capacity and hours of operation, ultimately settling on a maximum of 90 indoor seats and 24 outdoor seats, with outdoor dining allowed from 10 AM to 10 PM. The opening hour was specifically debated to maintain consistency with other local dining establishments, and after some discussion, the board agreed to permit outdoor dining to commence at the restaurant’s opening hour.

The meeting also addressed potential zoning amendments that would allow convalescent assisted living facilities in the Industrial Garden Parkway district through a special permit. A representative advocating for the amendment argued that as the population ages, the community would benefit from allowing such facilities within the industrial zone. This particular proposal was underpinned by a desire to develop an assisted living facility on a specific property already owned by the applicant.

Board members expressed a supportive stance towards this proposed zoning change, recognizing the increasing demand for assisted living options within the community. One board member acknowledged that while the industrial zone was originally intended for different uses, the demographic shift necessitated a reevaluation of zoning laws. They emphasized the importance of having such facilities nearby for residents, stating, “It would be nice if somebody does need it, it’s right here in town.” Another board member highlighted the overcrowding and remote locations of current facilities, further strengthening the argument for local solutions.

The board’s decision to endorse the proposal and submit a letter of recommendation to the Town Council marked a step toward potentially transforming the zoning landscape to better serve the town’s aging population. The proposal will return for further scrutiny during a Town Council public hearing.

Additional discussions during the meeting included a broader examination of proposed zoning amendments and how best to facilitate these changes. The board considered whether to have the property owner, Bill Plant, present the amendments directly to the Town Council or to submit a board-endorsed letter of recommendation. The latter option was favored, with one member noting that this approach would ensure the proposal’s return to the board for further input.

The Planning and Community Development Director shared updates on several ongoing projects and future plans. This included a report on upcoming meeting dates and public hearings, notably the continuation of the accessory dwelling unit public hearing to January 7, 2025, and an anticipated executive session on the same date at the request of Town Manager Thomas D. Christensen.

The director also provided insights into draft guidelines from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs), emphasizing that these were not bylaws but guidelines open for community feedback. The feedback period was set from December 20, 2024, to January 10, 2025, allowing the town to comment on areas such as setbacks and utility connections. It was clarified that local regulations for ADUs could not exceed those applied to single-family homes, maintaining a level of local control. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact of removing owner-occupancy requirements, with one board member expressing apprehension about the guidelines’ implications for the town’s character.