The approval followed a review of the project’s alignment with the town’s master plan and its contribution to the downtown area’s development goals. The variances granted by the board were deemed necessary due to the property’s pre-existing non-conforming conditions, which include lot area, front yard setback, side yard setback, lot coverage, driveway location, and parking space requirements.

In assessing the application, the board examined both the positive and negative criteria for granting these variances. The applicant’s expert provided a analysis of the property’s status, the proposed renovations, and the rationale for seeking the variances. Emphasis was placed on the property’s strategic location, its potential to meet housing needs, and its compatibility with the town’s visions for development and non-residential uses.

The expert’s testimony emphasized the building’s potential to contribute to the community by enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the downtown district and by responding to the 2019 master plan that supports the district’s goals. The project plans to restore and emphasize the architectural details of the building, improve its exterior, and address the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community.

During the meeting, there was also a discussion about the ethical implications of the board attorney representing both the board and a client in front of the board. Some board members voiced concern, but the attorney assured that there would be no conflict of interest.

The board also heard a presentation by an applicant named Mark, who elaborated on various aspects of a different property on East Main Street, including proposed plans for lighting, a refuse area, attic space, and the placement of HVAC equipment. Questions raised by the board regarding refuse management and the use of attic and crawl space were addressed by the applicant, who assured that the attic would not be used as a living space and the crawl space would be utilized for minor storage and mechanical equipment.

The application for the project on East Main Street was carried over to November 6 for further discussion, and several other resolutions were noted but did not incite debate or concern.

The board also deliberated on design waivers related to parking lot landscaping and curbing for the North Bridge Street property. Further, the potential for the property to be used for medical purposes in the future was mentioned, underlining the versatility and long-term vision for the building’s use.