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Council grants five-month extension for Harborside construction-area storage; applicant adds screening and a “coming soon” banner
Summary
VVO Real Estate Holding LLC received a five-month extension for a special temporary storage permit at the Harborside Hotel site, after the company described construction progress and added screening and a promotional banner; one councilor recorded a dissenting vote in discussion before the final voice vote approved the extension.
The New Shoreham Town Council on Wednesday granted a five-month extension to VVO Real Estate Holding LLC for a special temporary storage permit at the Harborside Hotel lot, the site of the 2024 fire that destroyed the hotel.
Attorney Josh Parks, representing VVO, told the council that construction drawings are out to bid and that stage-one foundation work is being quoted by contractors. Parks said the project team hopes to break ground in spring but could not commit to a firm start date because of ongoing bidding, weather and supply factors. "Ground hasn't broken yet," Parks said.
Parks said the applicant had previously installed a white-panel fence and added posts to reduce gaps; he described the design as a wind‑tolerant solution. He also said the company has commissioned a large “coming soon” graphic showing an artist’s rendering of the redeveloped Harborside to be placed on the Water Street side of the site. Parks said the company prefers a banner but is open to alternatives suggested by councilors.
Resident Mark Maguire supported the concept of an image or placard but suggested a more permanent sign rather than a banner to reduce wind damage and present a tidier appearance.
One councilor said they opposed extending the permit and explained a "no" vote was based on a view that the temporary screening and site management had not been handled well in the past; the speaker did not object to the reconstruction itself but declined to support further temporary-permit extensions without a stronger record of site control. Despite that dissent, the council approved the requested extension by voice vote.
Parks requested the full five months so the applicant would not have to return monthly; the council granted the extension with the understanding that the applicant will continue to refine screening and consider a more permanent sign if appropriate. The council also recorded that the site will be reviewed again if construction milestones change.
The council directed planning and building staff to coordinate permit conditions and to confirm whether a banner that remains in place beyond an event requires a separate sign permit.
