The meeting opened with a discussion regarding a special permit request for a new bubble tea cafe on Shaker Road, situated in the business zoning district. The applicant, B. Chowan, described the business as primarily focused on to-go orders with limited seating available. Concerns were raised by board members about the implications of parking availability and the proposal for outdoor dining. Despite the applicant’s intention to offer outdoor dining, the board debated and ultimately decided against permitting tables and chairs outside, instead suggesting only a bench.

In the course of the discussion, the applicant’s husband sought to contribute during the public comments, but was unable to do so as the public hearing had been closed. The board agreed on conditions for the cafe’s operation, including limited hours and the prohibition of outside supply deliveries. It was decided that any outdoor dining or signage would need separate approval.

Moving on from local business considerations, the board tackled the broader issue of land use and development within East Longmeadow. The topic of flag lots was a point of debate; these are parcels behind other properties, often difficult to develop due to their layout. The board members were surprised by the existence of such lots and voiced concerns regarding privacy and the density of development. The possibility of drafting a bylaw for flag lots was considered, weighing the goals of such regulation against the potential benefits and drawbacks to the town. There was a consensus on the need for precautions to prevent negative outcomes from lot development.

A related discussion emerged on the topic of undevelopable flag lots and how to manage them. The existence of such lots had caught some board members off guard, prompting a suggestion to create a map to better understand the extent of the issue. The board clarified that while owners could rebuild existing structures on these lots, they could not demolish and reconstruct them due to their non-conforming status.

The board also evaluated the process for site plan review waivers. A proposal was put forth to make the approval of these waivers more administrative, which would reduce the necessity for applicants to appear before the planning board for minor alterations. The board expressed openness to the idea, planning to draft language for review in a future meeting.

In an effort to modernize and simplify administrative procedures, the board discussed the transition of planning board and Zoning Board of Appeals permits to an online system. This move is anticipated to facilitate the permitting process for both staff and applicants.

Furthermore, the board deliberated on the use of funding from the FY23 mass gaming grant to engage the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for a review of land use permits and the use table. The aim of this review is to make the permitting process more accessible, particularly for residents and small businesses. Some members voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and considered soliciting other entities for the task.

An emerging concern addressed was the potential impact of drones on privacy and safety. The board proposed creating a drone ordinance, incorporating Federal Aviation Administration regulations into the local town code.

Lastly, the board recognized the need for more robust zoning enforcement and discussed the potential creation of a zoning enforcement officer position. This role would be dedicated to addressing issues such as parking violations and the enforcement of home-based trade regulations, given the challenges in enforcing existing bylaws.