The application, listed under case number BA 24-6, sought a conditional use variance and preliminary and final major site plan approval. The foundation proposed converting an existing single-family home into a place of worship with an on-site caretaker. The property covers approximately seven acres, and the plan includes a parking lot with nine spaces, a paved entrance, and handicap access. Notably, the plan eliminates curbing or lighting, as the facility will operate during the day only. The applicants provided detailed explanations through their representatives, including civil engineer Mr. DeFalco and planner, emphasizing minimal waste generation and low-intensity use of the site.

One of the primary concerns was the need for a variance due to setbacks. The property is situated within 75 feet of the streets, and the board was presented with the challenge of ensuring compliance with the parking requirements. The applicant confirmed that nine parking spaces were necessary based on the building’s capacity. The board expressed concerns about potential overflow parking on adjacent grass areas and suggested implementing barriers such as a post-and-rail fence to prevent unauthorized parking.

The issue of road dedications related to the property also surfaced. An existing easement for road improvements was noted, but the applicant preferred maintaining the easement rather than dedicating additional land, which could necessitate a variance and impact setbacks. The board acknowledged the complexities involved in balancing regulatory frameworks with community needs.

Further deliberations addressed the environmental aspects of the site, including stormwater management and wetland delineation. Gravel was proposed for the parking lot as a stormwater solution, but concerns were raised about its long-term effectiveness. The applicant was asked to consider installing dry wells to manage runoff. The presence of wetlands on the property necessitated a pending Letter of Interpretation (LOI), and the applicant confirmed the septic system had been abandoned in favor of a sewer connection.

Buffer requirements were another significant topic. The site disturbances were limited to about half an acre, with much of the seven-acre site remaining wooded and containing wetlands. The plan included planting an evergreen buffer along Georgia Tavern to screen the parking lot from view, though current buffer requirements were not met, requiring relief.

Board members expressed caution about granting relief for buffer encroachments, emphasizing the transition from a single-family home to a place of worship. They highlighted concerns about the increased intensity of use, with 28 congregants expected compared to a typical single-family residence. The applicant maintained that the proposed use would be less intensive than a traditional house of worship, arguing for the low-impact nature of the services provided.

Public input was also a componet of the meeting. The public hearing portion allowed residents to voice their concerns and support. One resident clarified that the property had paused all activities until the application was presented, addressing previous instructions from the board. The applicant confirmed that a previously advertised outdoor event was conducted off-site.

The meeting concluded with the board deciding to carry the application forward to a future meeting scheduled for September 9, 2024, with an expiration date for the application set for September 25, 2024. The board members expressed a preference for having all seven members present for the vote.

In addition to the place of worship application, the board also discussed other significant cases. Case number BA 23-24 involved Christopher Capsasus seeking a bulk variance to construct a single-family dwelling with a septic system on an undersized lot on Brickyard Road. The proposal included reducing building and impervious coverage and adjusting setbacks to minimize visual and environmental impact. The public comments reflected concerns about the scale of the proposed development in relation to neighboring properties.

Another notable discussion centered on a proposed business operation for Modern Classic Auto Sales, LLC, seeking a use variance and preliminary final major site plan approval. The application detailed the use of an existing tenant space for automobile sales, primarily through online platforms and auctions, with minimal public interaction. The board scrutinized compliance with zoning regulations and the operational model’s low intensity.