Commission approves dry‑cleaning drop‑off use at 78 Pine Street despite split concerns over nonconforming use

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 28 approved a site‑plan application permitting a dry‑cleaning drop‑off and tailoring service at 78 Pine Street in Business A zone.

Applicants Jonathan Arabolis and Sheila Chun said the proposal converts a former food shop space to a drop‑store and tailoring area only; no dry‑cleaning machinery or chemical operations will be installed in the new space. The existing dry‑cleaning and machinery will remain in the basement of the east side of the building, the applicants said.

Commission discussion focused on whether adding an interior door and operational overlap between the two storefront spaces would amount to an expansion of a nonconforming use. Commissioner Knowles abstained; Commissioner Kristen Nielsen voted no, citing concern the new interior connection could allow the nonconforming dry‑cleaning use to expand. Other commissioners said the use in the proposed west side would be low intensity (storage, drop‑off, tailoring) and that the proposed plan is effectively an amendment to an existing operation rather than a material intensification.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Curtis moved to approve (seconded by Commissioner Engle). Roll call produced seven yes votes, one no and one abstention; the application passed.

The applicants said they will coordinate signage via the town sign permit process and that deliveries and storage will remain light‑footprint (mobile racks, folding/tailoring tables). They also told the commission the landlord seeks a non‑food tenant to reduce parking/turnover problems at the nearby Grove Street corner.

The commission approved the site plan with standard permit conditions; applicants must obtain any required sign permits and comply with building and health department rules for work that impacts the basement operations.