The board meeting opened with a public hearing on a site plan approval for a multifamily development located on Emerald Drive. Represented by Frank Mcartland, the applicant’s engineer, the development proposed compliance with Massachusetts stormwater management standards. Mcartland confirmed that concerns, including groundwater mounting calculations, had been adequately addressed. He noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals had already issued a special permit for the multifamily use, which was currently within an appeal period. The hearing allowed for public inquiries, but no questions emerged from the audience, leading to its closure. The board then proceeded with its regular meeting and discussed the site plan, which included conditions such as waivers for multiple driveways, storm drain easement specifications, and landscaping requirements prior to occupancy permits. After review and no significant objections from board members, a motion to approve the definitive site plan with the outlined conditions was seconded and passed unanimously.

In another significant agenda item, the board addressed a proposed amendment to the Gardner zoning map. This change involved reclassifying a parcel from Commercial Two to Industrial One, aligning it with adjacent properties in the Summit Industrial Park and incorporating a summit solar overlay. During the discussion, the potential issue of spot zoning was raised, which involves zoning changes that primarily benefit an individual rather than the community. However, it was clarified that the amendment was consistent with surrounding parcels and would benefit the area as a whole. Following this discussion, the board unanimously recommended the adoption of the zoning map amendment.

The meeting then moved to new business, introducing a preliminary site plan for an expansion on Linus Lane Avenue. This proposed addition aims to enlarge the existing automotive technology center of Mount Wus Community College in response to program growth. The 2,000-square-foot expansion would be situated on existing pavement behind the current building. The plan includes maintaining current parking configurations while increasing spaces from 35 to 44, and involves improvements to storm water management and utilities. The board acknowledged the proposal’s contribution to the city and anticipated further plans for the expansion.

The session also reviewed a parking variance issue for properties on Stephanie Drive, complicated by the applicant’s absence and jurisdictional uncertainties. It was clarified that the Zoning Board of Appeals, and not the Planning Board, holds the authority to grant this variance. The board emphasized the necessity for effective communication between the applicant and the building commissioner, especially since there had been no building commissioner when the applicant initially approached the ZBA.