Planning board approves change of use at 61A Tripp Street for church; minor interior upgrades required

The Planning Board voted March 20 to approve a minor site plan review allowing an existing 9,627 square‑foot warehouse at 61A Tripp Street to be used as a church. Michael Stady appeared as owner/applicant and said the church intends to relocate from Parker Street because of space constraints.

Stady said the building currently has 49 on‑site parking spaces and the owner also controls an additional 35–45 spaces at 35 Tripp Street; leases for daytime business tenants restrict tenant parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays, freeing on‑site spaces for evening and weekend religious services. The owner said the nearest residences are separated from the site by a wooded area and stream, and that the applicant expects typical congregation sizes near the building‑department‑estimated occupancy of about 85 attendees; an occupancy letter from the architect and building department review was cited.

Planning board members clarified that the Dover Amendment (state zoning provisions that limit local review of religious uses) constrains the board’s review to dimensional matters (bulk, yards, setbacks, parking and similar site standards). Stady said the applicant will implement required interior upgrades identified by building inspectors, including changes to the fire alarm system and door work; he said additional bathroom upgrades would be required only if occupancy exceeds the architect/building department estimate.

After public questions and a short discussion, the board closed the public hearing and approved the minor site plan review for change of use by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript. The board recorded that required building‑department upgrades and code compliance remain conditions of occupancy and will be addressed through building permits and the city’s inspection processes.