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Council adopts Beagle Club overlay to formalize longstanding shooting‑club use
Summary
The Town Council approved ordinance 24‑23 to add a Beagle Club Overlay District for several assessor parcels, converting a long‑standing shooting‑club use from legal nonconforming to allowed‑by‑right. Supporters from adjacent properties and the club spoke in favor; the measure passed 7–0.
The Cumberland Town Council voted unanimously on Oct. 2 to adopt ordinance 24‑23, which creates a Beagle Club Overlay District to allow the shooting‑club uses on specified assessor parcels to be permitted by right.
Councilor Schmidt, who introduced the measure, explained the overlay recognizes a club that predates the zoning code and converts its status from a long‑standing legal nonconforming use to one allowed by right in the overlay. Schmidt described the club’s decades‑long presence and said the overlay clears the legal posture for planned facility improvements.
Nearby resident Michael Bode spoke in support, saying the club has been a respectful neighbor for decades and preserves open land that he and his family use for walking. On Zoom, Matt Alves, vice president of the club, thanked the council for considering the ordinance and said the organization supports the town.
The council took a roll‑call vote following public comment; every member voted yes and the ordinance passed 7–0.
