Central to the meeting was the debate on the Manor’s application to make several improvements, including a 720 square foot expansion of the cocktail room, construction of a circular driveway for efficient traffic flow, and the addition of sound attenuation walls. However, the application’s request for a waiver to allow outdoor ceremonies, which have been held despite a 1985 resolution prohibiting them, emerged as a contentious point. Residents expressed concerns about noise levels, with one neighbor asserting the ceremonies were not only disruptive but also “illegal.”

The board grappled with the implications of setting a precedent by potentially approving the waiver, considering the Manor’s history of conducting outdoor ceremonies against existing regulations. They also discussed the impact of the proposed permanent outdoor ceremony space on the community’s quality of life, inquiring into the possibility of relocating the ceremonies or adding additional lighting for late afternoon events.

Residents’ concerns extended to the potential noise from valet services and the overall impact of the venue’s operations on neighboring properties. The possibility of designating a smoking area and adding signage to control noise was also discussed. In response, the applicant emphasized the seclusion of the outdoor ceremony space and the operational aspects of the valet station.

The proposed expansion raised technical questions, including the use of pervious pavers to manage stormwater and the structural integrity of proposed additions. The board deferred the discussion on drainage design to a future meeting after acknowledging discrepancies in the impervious coverage percentages and technical comments on the drainage design.

Accessibility for emergency vehicles and the layout of the parking lot were also scrutinized, particularly the height of the sound wall and its potential interference with emergency access. The board inquired about the impact of the circular driveway on light pollution and idling cars and considered the necessity of a portico, which led to a analysis of the design, including the dimensions and operation of a proposed waterfall feature.

During the public comments section, a resident living near the Manor expressed frustration over the noise from outdoor ceremonies and the constant activity at the venue, requesting that the Manor cease these ceremonies. The board clarified the applicant’s right to request a waiver.

Further discussions addressed the need for additional egress doors, the height of doors to accommodate all vehicle types, and the potential cost of extending the barrier wall to mitigate sound. The meeting took a break, and upon reconvening, the owner of the Manor was questioned about the proposed renovations. He outlined the need for improvements due to weather conditions and the importance of outdoor ceremonies for the business, assuring that the seat limitation of 296 in the main dining hall would not change.

The meeting concluded with the board deciding to continue the application to the August meeting, allowing for additional information from acoustical experts and further consideration of the community’s concerns.