Applicant asks planning board for broad site-plan approval for Moose Mountain activities; board requests detailed descriptions for public hearing

The Brookfield Town Planning Board heard a presentation from an applicant identified in the transcript as Moose Mobley seeking approval for a multi-use site plan that would include a restaurant, outdoor activities (including an ice-skating rink), special events and associated alcohol service. Speaker 2 told the applicant the board received the application and the check and said the board needs a detailed written description of each proposed activity — hours of operation, exact or illustrative location on an updated map, size and other specifics — to include in the public-hearing packet.

Applicant questions centered on how strictly the descriptions must fix locations or dimensions. Speaker 6 asked whether a flexible description (for example, placing an activity behind a treeline) would require future resubmission; Speaker 2 and other board members said the applicant should provide clear descriptions for the public hearing but that building permits and more detailed reviews would occur later. The board also said it will schedule a site inspection and a walk-through before the public hearing.

A recurring theme was whether uses now listed as 'permitted' should be converted to 'conditional.' Speaker 3 objected to converting previously permitted uses, calling the board’s request for full specifics “ridiculous,” and argued that permitted uses were allowed when the applicant bought the property. Speaker 3 said the change would be unfair and time-consuming; Speaker 2 replied the board was asking for descriptions so neighbors and regulators can have clarity at the hearing.

Board members and the applicant discussed noise and alcohol licensing. Speakers explained that outdoor noise could prompt complaints and that state liquor licensing and special-event licenses govern alcohol service. The board reiterated it would not approve expanded outdoor liquor service ahead of the public hearing or the site-plan process.

The board outlined next steps: the applicant should submit paragraphs that describe each activity (Speaker 2: “Make a good paragraph and be inclusive of everything that's gonna be done because that's what's gonna be handed out at the public hearing”), provide an updated map showing the proposed locations, and prepare for a site inspection. The board said it will then set a public hearing once documentation and the site visit have occurred.