At the forefront of the meeting was the application by Coastal Classics, a classic car restoration business, seeking a use variance to install an internal paint booth. The company, which has operated in Jackson for nearly 15 years, specializes in restoring vehicles over 25 years old. Owner Ryan Mahoney detailed the necessity of the paint booth, as the closure of their subcontracted facility necessitated bringing painting services in-house. The addition is seen as critical for maintaining the quality and integrity of their specialized restoration work.

Discussion revealed concerns about the parking situation at Coastal Classics. The facility reportedly has 47 marked parking spaces, sufficient under current zoning ordinances, yet board members raised issues about observed instances of vehicles being double-parked or parked in non-designated areas. The applicant’s representative assured the board that the business typically manages about 15 vehicles at a time, with a careful balance between indoor and outdoor storage to safeguard the high-value cars. Board members were skeptical about whether merely moving two spaces would resolve these issues, particularly given the evidence from a site visit showing potential parking inefficiencies.

The board also grappled with the implications of the variance on the surrounding environment. Mahoney confirmed that the paint used contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) similar to standard auto paints, but with thorough filtration systems in place. The facility’s exhaust complies with regulations governed by the fire department and the Department of Environmental Protection, mitigating concerns about adverse odors or fumes.

Coastal Classics’ request for a variance sparked debate over the intentions behind the zoning ordinance, which aims to prevent the establishment of high-volume auto body shops within the industrial zone. However, professional planner Allison Coffen testified that the proposed paint booth would not generate significant noise, odors, or traffic disruptions associated with traditional auto body shops. She asserted that the site is well-suited for the proposed use, and the installation would enhance the applicant’s ability to offer complete restoration services.

The board deliberated on whether granting the variance would set a precedent for similar applications. Members were reassured that the paint booth’s use would remain restricted to classic car restoration, a condition agreed upon by the applicant to prevent a shift toward a general auto repair facility. This assurance was aimed to address concerns about increased traffic and other impacts not aligned with zoning intentions.

In addition to Coastal Classics, the meeting also addressed procedural matters concerning other applications. The Rosen Bloom variance, repeatedly carried over several meetings, was discussed extensively. The board decided to impose a final carry date for this application, with failure to present at the January meeting resulting in dismissal. This decision followed concerns about the number of continuations and suggestions for setting limits on future carries, supported by legal counsel confirming the board’s authority to dismiss applications for lack of prosecution.

Partners LLC’s preliminary final site plan for a property on West Commodore Boulevard was also carried over to the January meeting following a late submission of an exhibit. The applicant’s attorney expressed gratitude for the board’s understanding while acknowledging the procedural breach.