Central to the debate was the proposed overlay district that has been under discussion since 2019. The council is considering regulations that would limit the presence of formula businesses. Formula businesses, typically national chains, have been under scrutiny for their impact on local economies, with concerns that they could usurp opportunities from locally owned establishments. The council is also assessing the impact of new developments on traffic patterns, pedestrian safety, and noise levels, particularly focusing on parking arrangements.

While some residents expressed appreciation for the council’s efforts to maintain a unique local atmosphere, others raised objections about the potential restrictions on property marketability and the financial feasibility of developing commercial properties under the new regulations. A particular point of contention was the impact of national chains on the local economy and the value that locally owned businesses add in terms of jobs and benefits.

The council members expressed a willingness to consider public opinion and gather more information, with one member thanking residents for their input and underscoring the importance of their perspectives. Another member acknowledged the majority support for the proposed overlay and the usefulness of an informative flyer distributed to residents.

The conversation then shifted to the specifics of the overlay district, including the definition of formula restaurants and businesses. The council debated the appropriate threshold for defining what qualifies as a formula business, considering the number of establishments that would be affected. The possibility of excluding businesses founded within the county from the definition was also discussed, along with the suggestion to reconsider the proposed number, which was initially set at three.

Another topic was the process for granting waivers in conjunction with site plan review applications. It was clarified that waivers could not be used to add uses not permitted under the overlay or zoning district, nor could they alter major aspects such as density, intensity, and setbacks. However, waivers for landscaping or architectural changes were considered possible.

The maximum allowable square footage for businesses was debated, with a current limit of 5,000 square feet for each tenant or individually owned unit, underlining the intention to attract local and small businesses. The requirement for civic open space was also brought up, including the flexibility for applicants to propose the location of these spaces.

The council tackled the complexities involved with properties owned by the same entity in different overlays, which prompted a discussion on how to address such situations. Moreover, the issue of defining the waiver and extending the non-conforming period for like-for-like businesses was broached, along with the confusion surrounding the inclusion of Real Estate Services as a formula business.

The notification process for council meetings was another point of concern, with a citizen clarifying the method for receiving meeting alerts and agendas. The council emphasized the need to ensure that all affected parties are adequately informed about the proposed overlay.

The meeting concluded with the decision to bring back the proposed changes for further discussion, highlighting some disagreement about whether the changes would require another review by the Local Planning Agency (LPA). The council adjourned with a motion as the designated end time for workshops had passed.