The meeting focused on the challenges faced by a local park, as the issue of unpermitted structures and compliance with town regulations took center stage. The property, which had been found in violation on March 4th for not having the necessary building permits, was at risk of accruing fines up to 50 days. The representative of the property owner explained their prioritization of obtaining permits for two essential canopies to reopen the park. They also discussed ongoing efforts related to rezoning applications, which are inherently tied to the permit approval process.

The town attorney played a role in articulating the town’s position. They emphasized that zoning approval is a prerequisite for building permits issuance. The magistrate’s concerns were rooted in the number of permits that had yet to be submitted and the potential delays that could be exacerbated by the rezoning efforts.

The property owner’s representative pointed out the financial burdens placed on the park due to the track’s closure. They noted that this had not only affected the park’s financial sustainability but had also led to job losses, bringing a human element into the regulatory debate. The town and the property owner had previously agreed to a stipulation that allowed the operation to be open on a limited basis.

A significant portion of the discussion also revolved around the town’s interim measure to rope off unpermitted structures for safety and compliance reasons. This measure permitted the track to remain open as a compromise, but the property owner’s representative expressed frustration with the town’s position, stating that the operation was in a dire situation with delays in approvals.

The magistrate stressed the importance of full compliance with the previous order and encouraged the representative to expedite the permit application process. The town’s representative underscored the history of non-compliance with permit deadlines and the continuous efforts to bring the property into compliance. They also reminded the property owner’s representative of the opportunity to seek fine mitigation once compliance is achieved.

The meeting concluded with the understanding that the park’s situation was a complex interplay of regulatory compliance, financial viability, and community impact. The representative was left with a clear message to hasten the permit application process to move towards resolving the issue.