Middletown Planning Board approves several local businesses and a social‑services site; refers one application to ZBA

The Middletown Planning Board approved several routine business and special‑use applications at its Nov. 5 meeting and handled procedural referrals for other items.

Key approvals: • Oak and Reed (Laura Scott) — The board approved a full liquor license application for 45–53 North Street after reading a letter of community support into the record. • Get Flawless by Ejela (Ejela Wilson Retrigue) — The board approved a plan for a textured‑hair school at 39 North Street in partnership with BOCES and Capri Cosmetology; staff and inspectors raised no outstanding concerns. • Action Towards Independence Inc. — The board approved a special‑use permit for counseling and peer supports at 301–307 North Street; hours were reported as weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and the board found existing parking adequate. • 6–8 North Street cafe (Kimberly Serrano) — The board approved a food and beverage location restricted to pre‑baked items (no on‑site cooking), with hours recorded in the resolution. • 23–27 West Main Street retail (Leticia and Breeland Mapp) — The board approved a retail storefront selling medical wigs and hair toppers in the historic district; proposed hours were accepted.

Procedural items: • Sobo & Sobo Holdings, 20 Preston Street — Applicant Gary Sobo stated he will seek an area variance; the board advised referring the application to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) before further planning action and kept the public hearing open for future consideration.

All routine approvals were decided by roll call; motions and affirmative votes were recorded for each resolution.

Actions recorded at the meeting included approvals and a referral to the ZBA. The board adjourned after completing the agenda.