20:55Outback Steakhouse’s application was a focal point of the meeting, marking a substantial step in modernizing the long-standing restaurant, which has been a fixture at its location since December 1993. The restaurant sought preliminary and final site plan approval to implement renovations and updates that address the evolving needs of its operations. Central to the proposal was the addition of a new takeaway door, a response to the increasing demand for curbside pickup – a service that was not originally contemplated when the restaurant was first established.

Representatives for Outback Steakhouse highlighted the operational inefficiencies of the current setup, where food must be carried through the dining area to reach curbside customers. The proposed changes will allow for a more streamlined service, improving both customer and staff experiences. The updates also include new signage that aligns with Outback’s national branding standards, involving the installation of modern, LED-illuminated signs to replace older versions.

The site engineer outlined further improvements, which include repaving and restriping the parking lot and enhancing the landscape with additional trees and shrubs. These adjustments aim to improve the restaurant’s visual appeal and respond to previous feedback from the board regarding landscaping. The board reviewed the proposal, noting that it did not require variances but did involve a waiver for pipeline buffering. Importantly, the board was assured that compliance with all relevant planning and environmental regulations would be maintained.

Public input was solicited, with no objections raised from nearby residents or those outside the immediate vicinity. The board members unanimously expressed their support for the application, lauding the renovations as beneficial to the town’s modernization efforts. The motion to approve the site plan updates was passed unanimously, signaling strong board support for the project.

0:02Another agenda item was the discussion surrounding case Z17-2022 for Bola Oil Corporation. The applicant sought both preliminary and final site plan approval, along with bulk and use variances, to modernize an existing fuel station on Route 1 by adding a convenience store and a Tim Hortons café. The proposal aimed to address non-compliance issues with the current zoning master plan, including excessive impervious coverage and insufficient setbacks.

Duncan Prime, representing Bola Oil Corporation, outlined a plan that included upgraded lighting, reduced impervious coverage, and enhancements to buffer zones between commercial and residential areas. Notably, the plan proposed eliminating high-speed diesel pumps, opting for low-flow diesel to address community concerns. The board approved the application unanimously, with conditions focusing on signage, employee training, and adherence to engineering and planning reports.

The board also considered a residential application, case Z25-2024, where Brian Kagansky sought variances for a second-story addition to his single-family home. The proposal involved several variances due to the property’s undersized nature compared to zoning requirements. The homeowner’s planner argued the changes would blend with the neighborhood’s character and improve the property aesthetically. The board deferred final deliberations.

The meeting also covered a proposed settlement for case Z15 D222 involving American Outdoor. The board entered an executive session to discuss the settlement, which passed unanimously. Following the executive session, the board returned to public session to address the final agenda item, a resolution for Z 28-2024 concerning the Muslim Community Center.