Planning board continues hearing on 619/621 Quaker Highway after conservation and stormwater compliance concerns

The Planning Board opened a public hearing for a special permit at 619/621 Quaker Highway. Kevin Powers, speaking for the property, described a plan that would include front gravel parking and bulk storage in the rear. Members of the board raised multiple procedural and compliance concerns: the Conservation Commission has an enforcement order for the site (issued Feb. 27, 2023); there was testimony that more than one acre has been disturbed without a stormwater management plan; and portions of the site already appear to have been filled or cleared without required permits.

Board members reviewed past approvals from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the planning board, noting prior conditions that restricted outdoor storage and limited on‑site vehicle counts (a 30‑vehicle limit from a prior record was discussed). Several members characterized the current state as inconsistent with those approvals and with the conservation enforcement order; one member said the applicant appears to be asking for forgiveness rather than following procedure.

The board directed the applicant to make meaningful progress with the Conservation Commission and to provide detailed engineering and operation descriptions, including stormwater management plans and a clear description of what materials will be brought to and processed at the site. Given the open enforcement matter and outstanding technical materials, the board voted to continue the public hearing to December 10 at 6 p.m. in this room to allow time for the applicant to work with conservation and return with additional information.

The continuation was seconded and passed by voice vote.