WINCHESTER — Planning staff told the commission that the Mainway Auto building at 928 and 936 Newfield Road was taken down without permits and that the property owner is working to submit post‑facto permit applications and to pay associated fees. Staff said the demolition work required a wetlands review because the disturbed area is within 100 feet of the river opposite the site.

Staff said the contractor stabilized the site with silt fencing, gravel and grading, and that the owner has been asked to provide an updated survey and a site plan before presenting any proposals for new trailers or other uses on the lot. The owner advised staff he is exploring options but has not yet submitted a full site plan application; staff said the owner must do so before any change in use is permitted.

Separately, staff reported that ECAT (a commercial tenant at 1149 Newfield Road) moved a dumpster from its approved, enclosed location to a visible location near Newfield Road. Planning staff said ECAT’s representative, Alan Borghese, told staff he will submit an application for a permanent dumpster pad and enclosure in the approved location and that staff allowed a limited temporary placement while the owner organizes a permanent solution. Commissioners asked staff to follow up and to insist that the dumpster be returned to its permitted enclosure until a permanent permit is approved, citing fire and nuisance concerns.

Staff gave the ECAT owner two weeks to file the application and said that if the application is not submitted or the dumpster not returned to the permitted location staff will escalate enforcement steps.