Bethel Planning Board finds Mechanic Street application complete

The Bethel Planning Board voted to find a site plan amendment application for 10 Mechanic Street complete and reviewed performance standards for the project, which would allow a used sporting goods store to occupy a building previously approved for commercial retail. The board also heard extensive public comment from the applicant, an abutter's representative, and other residents, and discussed changes to its rules of procedure.

Key points

• The board voted to find the application complete and granted waivers for financial capacity and stormwater review.
• The board reviewed performance standards page by page, changing several findings, including parking language and a groundwater protection finding related to petroleum products no longer being handled on site.
• Applicant Beth Weisberger said the board deferred to a single abutter's objection when it tabled the project, and asked the board to follow legal counsel and staff recommendations.
• Scott Cole, representing abutter Mark Agenberg of 6 Wakanda Street, argued the one-year use termination clause in the ordinance applies and that a full site plan review is required.
• Resident Sarah Southam said her Aroma Joe's project required eight planning board meetings and nearly $100,000 in costs, and urged clearer standards and respect for professional evidence.
• The board discussed amending Article 7, Section 3 of its rules of procedure to add "or sooner at the discretion of the planning and development department," with a motion to amend pending at the end of the meeting.

Next steps

• The board planned an October workshop to continue discussing the rules of procedure language and related matters.
• Board member Travis said he would be hiking the Long Trail and unavailable for the October workshop.

Read the full transcript