The board first addressed the proposed conversion of a commercial property on West High into a group home for four residents, which would also employ two full-time staff members. Notable in the discussion was the emphasis on the property’s taxable status. The board aimed to provide clarity to the public by humorously noting that the detail was particularly for the benefit of the “12 people who watch this meeting.” The resolution was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Following this, the board turned its attention to a site improvement application by Sonoko LLC for their gas station on East Main Street. The application focused on modernizing the station’s signage without increasing its overall size or intensity. Larry C represented Sonoko LLC, with licensed engineer John Anderson providing detailed testimony on the existing conditions and proposed changes.

Anderson described the current layout of the gas station, which includes a 1,320-square-foot building with service bays and multi-product dispensers. The proposed modifications centered around signage updates: replacing the damaged pylon sign with a new one featuring LED numerals while maintaining the same dimensions, and updating the canopy signage to a simpler design with a blue fascia band. These changes aimed to enhance visibility and modernize the station’s branding, with a reduction in overall signage square footage from 144 to 120 square feet.

A significant concern raised by the board was the neglected aesthetic condition of the gas station. One member likened it to “something out of like way down deep south all forgotten about,” highlighting the presence of clutter and vehicles. This prompted acknowledgment from Sonoko representatives, who committed to a cleanup effort as part of their branding initiative. The board appeared receptive to these points.

Further discussions involved the illumination of the site, particularly the need to reduce lighting after operational hours. A board member requested that the lights be dimmed to security levels post-closing, a suggestion that the representatives agreed to consider. Project planner Paul Ricky provided additional testimony, outlining variances sought by the applicant, including the request to rebuild the freestanding sign while maintaining its dimensions and location, and reducing canopy and fuel dispenser signage.

Ricky argued that the proposed changes would not cause substantial detriment to the public good or zoning plan, emphasizing that the improvements would enhance the visual appeal of the property and align with zoning objectives. The project was estimated to take three to four months for post-resolution compliance, contingent on obtaining necessary permits.

Public comments echoed concerns about lighting, especially its impact on nearby residential areas. One member of the audience supported the application, highlighting the necessity of maintaining a gas station in the area and acknowledging the improvement in site aesthetics.

The board expressed a collective view that the application was a positive development for the community, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the site was cleaned up as part of the approval conditions. A motion was made to approve the application with stipulated conditions, which was unanimously supported in a roll call vote.

The meeting also touched on planning discussions, with references to the mayor’s directives for addressing the master plan, zoning ordinance, and affordable housing issues. There was a desire for board members to convene and discuss these matters before meeting with the planning board to ensure their input was effectively integrated into future planning efforts.