Thursday, March 12, 2026

Oaklands Road subdivision application

The board voted to not continue the hearing. All were in favor and the motion carried.

The applicant asked to continue the hearing to the April 9, 2026 meeting at 7:00pm. The town planner said the application had defects and a revised plan would be different. If the application is not accepted, the applicant would have to re-apply and neighbors (abutters) would be told again. A board member said the parcel was marked as a top choice for land conservation and asked what the Conservation Commission was doing. The member also raised concern about new septic systems near rivers. The planner said the board may require abutters to be notified again and take no action that night.

Pilates studio proposed at 5 Winkler Way

The board agreed that a full site plan is needed. No formal vote count was recorded.

The town planner met with an applicant who wants to use the approved tenant space in the Dunkins building at 5 Winkler Way as a Pilates studio. The space would be split into three rooms for yoga and Pilates, with two employees, classes through the day, and 7 days a week. The outside of the building would not change. The board was worried about parking, since the lot is sometimes full with Dunkins alone and classes could bring a dozen or more cars for long periods. A member also said the drive-thru blocks some rear parking spaces and that delivery trucks take up several spaces. The board agreed a full site plan was needed to cover parking and class schedules. The planner will review the existing site plan and past minutes to see what use and how many parking spaces were approved, and whether they were meant for both Dunkins and the rental space.

Muddy River Smokehouse site plan amendment

The town planner will meet with the owners of Muddy River Smokehouse on Tuesday to talk about a site plan amendment. It is planned for the April meeting.

Mobil gas station lighting enforcement

A board member asked why the Planning Board is involved in lighting enforcement at the Mobil, saying the Select Board enforces conditions that are not met. The town planner said he contacted the Mobil first, and nothing changed. The applicant said the lighting was installed as presented to the town. A member said the board needs to make a formal decision based on the planner's advice and bring it to the Select Board. Another member said she visited the site and found the LED downlights act as outward lighting that lights the fascia (the front band of the roof edge). She will bring the matter to the Select Board and start enforcement.