The board’s rigorous review of a new building’s visibility from Alexander Avenue was a focal point of the session. An amendment to a resolution was proposed to remove a clause concerning the visibility of the new structure, following concerns raised by board members. The visibility of buildings within the town is a matter of aesthetic and environmental importance, as it impacts the skyline and the character of the neighborhood.

Kush Connection LLC’s application for a conditional use permit and site plan approval also took center stage, as the representative, Allan Tulac, emphasized the urgency of the approval process due to time constraints related to the expiration of their state license. The board entertained the possibility of bifurcating the application, allowing conditional use approval to precede site plan approval. The board members engaged in a debate on the implications of this two-phased process, particularly the conditions that the establishment could not operate until full site plan approval was granted. The address-specific nature of the conditional license was also a subject of discussion.

The conversation shifted to another application for site plan approval and variances on Lorraine Avenue. Tulac presented plans for a second-story addition to an existing building to expand space for a business and add a one-bedroom apartment. The board grappled with the variances needed for rear yard setback and parking, as the proposal aimed to align the second floor with the existing setback, and the property could provide only half the required parking spaces. Marcello Rodo, the property owner, and architect Ryan Robertson provided testimony, addressing the board’s concerns about the impact on the neighborhood and the environment.

Rodo plans for reconfiguring the parking lot to accommodate his business’s needs, including a green roof system and environmentally friendly practices adopted by his dry cleaning business since 2001. However, the board’s concerns extended to the potential environmental impacts of the proposed apartment, the management of parking spaces, and the presence of monitoring wells in the neighborhood.

The necessity of the charging station was debated, as was the impact of its location on parking and accessibility. The board also scrutinized parking arrangements for electric vehicles, expressing concerns about safety and efficiency, and discussed the potential for ticketing non-electric vehicles parked in EV charging stations.

The design, particularly the green roof and use of glass, was scrutinized for its compatibility with the historic district. The Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) recommendation for a solid parapet was contested, and there was discussion on the building’s elevations, materials, and the impact of the proposed design on neighboring properties.

In addition to design and environmental issues, the board also weighed in on matters of governance and planning. The meeting highlighted the importance of inter-commission collaboration, as evidenced by the board’s acknowledgment of the Housing Commission’s recommendations for the housing element of the master plan re-examination.