The meeting’s main focus was on Case SP-20225-06, a request by Cesar’s to extend its operating hours beyond the previously permitted 9 p.m. The restaurant had earlier secured a liquor license allowing sales until 11 p.m., but the special permit restricted operations to an earlier closing time. The petitioner argued for the extension, citing that 80% of their business was takeout, and they faced limited dine-in traffic after 8 p.m. To mitigate complaints about headlights shining into neighboring homes, the petitioner proposed installing planter boxes and suggested that the expansion of a driveway for increased parking would not be pursued.

Residents and board members expressed concerns about the proposed extension, particularly given the restaurant’s proximity to residential areas. An audience member, Paige Ly, voiced apprehension about the impact of later hours, noting the uniqueness of Cesar’s location next to homes, unlike other nearby establishments which operated bars with designated seating areas further from residences. Ly questioned the need for a takeout-focused restaurant to remain open until midnight, given its potential impact on the neighborhood.

The discussion also covered the use of picnic tables outside the restaurant, which raised concerns about noise and disturbances in the quiet residential area. Suggestions were made to restrict the use of these tables after certain hours, ranging from 7 p.m. to later in the evening, to prevent them from becoming a source of disruption.

The board emphasized the need for consistency in their rulings, while also considering the unique circumstances of the current proposal. They discussed the potential precedent such a decision could set for future applications. One board member highlighted the importance of maintaining the small-town feel as outlined in the town’s master plan and suggested aligning operational hours with the liquor license.

After considerable debate, the board approved a set of conditions for the amended special permit. These conditions included limiting operating hours to 11 p.m. for Friday and Saturday, with a closing time of 10 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday. Takeout services would be permitted after 9 p.m. on all days. Additionally, picnic tables would be allowed until 8 p.m. during operational hours, a decision that balanced concerns about noise with the restaurant’s business needs.

Further stipulations required the installation of Green Giant arborvitae hedges to mitigate the impact of headlights from the parking lot on neighboring properties. The board mandated that these plantings be installed before any changes to the restaurant’s operating hours could take effect. This measure aimed to address the light intrusion concerns raised by residents.

The board also required that any change of ownership would necessitate an amendment to the special permit. The approval of these amendments was seen as a way to accommodate the business while respecting the community’s desire for a peaceful living environment.

In addition to the discussions on Cesar’s, the board addressed other agenda items, including waivers requested by the applicant for building layout and parking requirements. These waivers were granted, as the elements had already been established. The board also noted updates from the Community Development Director, who provided information on upcoming meetings and public hearings, including a special permit for a restaurant on Maple Street and a site plan review for a property on Chestnut Street. The director mentioned ongoing work on a mixed-use bylaw and a traffic and pedestrian survey, with public outreach events planned by the Barrett Planning Group to gather community feedback on zoning changes.