2:18The most notable development at the meeting was the unanimous approval of a special permit for Forest Family Real Estate, LLC, represented by Mike Petris and Jerry Lashway. The permit allows a change of use for a building on Madero Way, situated in a business zone and water resource area. Formerly occupied by Schwab’s Food Delivery Service, the building will now house Mill River Slab Works, focusing on selling live edge slabs and similar wood products. Lashway assured the board that the operation would prioritize retail activities, with minor sawing and milling on-site, and emphasized that dust generation would be minimal due to limited woodworking operations.

The proposed changes to the building are minimal, with only signage and accessibility adjustments required. Lashway also disclosed that the primary manufacturing operations would remain at their existing Blockhouse Road location. Handling of finishing materials will predominantly involve water-based finishes, minimizing any potential environmental impact. The board reviewed and approved the permit conditions, which include restrictions on site alterations, hazardous materials usage, and outdoor storage.

20:44The meeting then transitioned to the proposal involving the development of two single-family homes on Herald Avenue. The applicant sought a special permit to reduce the side yard setback and frontage requirements due to the irregular shape of the lot. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the necessity of a sewer connection for the project. The applicant presented an engineering plan showing a pressurized system with individual pumps, as gravity flow was unfeasible, and claimed an email from city engineers confirmed the feasibility of a sewer connection.

However, skepticism arose among board members regarding the adequacy of the lot for two homes. A board member expressed concern about potential overcrowding, referencing past developments that faced similar challenges. Public comments further fueled the debate, with resident Luke Bushman opposing the proposal. Bushman, a long-time owner of the property, argued that the lot’s size was insufficient for two houses, citing previous attempts to develop the property that were denied due to sewer system capacity issues.

The board acknowledged the complexities involving the sewer connection, noting the Department of Public Works would ultimately decide on permitting. It was suggested that any board approval should be conditional upon confirmation of the sewer connection. The board opted to continue the hearing to gather more information, scheduling a follow-up meeting on March 4th.

The meeting also briefly touched on a proposed zoning amendment to permit professional and personal services in an industrial district. An email requested postponement of this discussion until a particular board member returned from abroad, which the board accepted.