The focus of the meeting was the discussion of the area investigation study for the intersection of Jake Brown Road and US Highway 9. The study proposed to expand the Redevelopment Zone to include an additional parcel, specifically the recently sold Cheesecake Quake Farm. This inclusion was based on the property meeting the criteria set forth by the Redevelopment law, given its state of abandonment and existing infrastructure. The board examined the current zoning of the property, the advantages of being designated as a Redevelopment Zone, and whether such a designation would allow developers to alter the zoning in the future. The potential benefits of Redevelopment were brought to light, emphasizing the opportunity for negotiated agreements and enhanced control over the development process.

The area investigation study sparked a conversation among the board members regarding the implications of the Redevelopment Zone. The members examined the differences between the current zoning and the proposed designation, exploring the potential for improved land use and development control. The discussion was thorough, yet the public hearing concluded without any comments from the audience. Subsequently, the board moved to adopt a resolution for the area investigation study, further advancing the redevelopment initiative for this strategic location.

Next on the agenda was the application from HHFT Urban Renewal LLC, which sought amended approval for a previously unauthorized mezzanine area within a warehouse building. The attorney for the applicant clarified the oversight that led to the mezzanine’s construction and use without proper approval. Initially authorized, the mezzanine had been inadvertently excluded from the architectural plans submitted with the initial application. The applicant was now seeking to rectify this by obtaining the necessary approvals post-construction.

The discussion on the amended site plan approval illuminated various aspects of the warehouse’s operations, including its use for showroom displays and virtual meetings. Despite the addition of the mezzanine, the number of employees remained unchanged, and the applicant assured the board that retail sales did not take place on the premises.

In the course of reviewing the amended site plan application, a previous zoning board application for a 45-acre property was also discussed. This property had required variances due to its division across two zoning districts. However, with the adoption of the Redevelopment plan, the property became fully compliant with the new requirements, rendering the prior variances unnecessary. The applicant highlighted the completion of all 171 parking spaces as originally approved, despite the parking spaces being marginally smaller than the ordinance required.

A board member referred to a transcript from a prior hearing to confirm that the showroom component had been a part of the original application, thus not constituting a new addition. The board also debated the office space within the warehouse, comparing parking ratios to those in other projects. The provision of an elevator for handicap accessibility to the showroom was confirmed, addressing concerns about compliance with accessibility standards.

The meeting took a brief turn towards public engagement when a member of the audience inquired about the timeline for a warehouse project and its potential traffic impact. In response, a board member outlined the redevelopment project process and recommended that the public review previous hearings for comprehensive details. The attendee expressed interest in further information, which prompted the board to encourage watching future meetings for updates.

Following these discussions, the board conducted a motion and roll call vote, which resulted in favor of the proposed developments.