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Council hears Ren Scott plan to expand advanced-manufacturing space; matter continued for building-commissioner input
Summary
Ren Scott representatives sought to increase advanced-manufacturing floor area from 17,027 sq ft to 25,891 sq ft and reduce required parking from 83 to 67 spaces; councilors asked for Building Commissioner Tom Quinn's input and continued the petition to Jan. 7 for further review and a required finding on nonconforming use.
Representatives for 20 Sonar Drive LLC, doing business as Ren Scott, described a proposal to modify an existing special permit to expand advanced-manufacturing operations and reduce the number of parking stalls.
Attorney Joseph Taube said the request would increase advanced-manufacturing area from 17,027 square feet to 25,891 square feet and reduce required parking from 83 to 67 spaces, a reduction that the petitioners said aligns with industry norms of two spaces per 1,000 square feet for advanced manufacturing. Dave Bamforth, speaking for the company, described highly automated processes including computer-numeric-control equipment, robotics and metal 3D printing (laser powder-bed fusion). He said the new space would hold approximately 12 machines and estimated roughly 18 employees across both buildings.
Councilors praised the investment but emphasized the statutory finding the council must make under local zoning when extending nonconforming uses. Several members, including Councilor DeMambo and Councilor Boone, asked for a memo or direct input from Building Commissioner Tom Quinn before making a finding that the modification would be no more detrimental to the neighborhood. The council voted to continue the matter to the January 7 meeting to allow that review.
No formal vote on the permit modification was taken at this meeting; the continuation preserves the council’s ability to request additional technical input and to review parking and erosion-control details such as the proposed rock-berm and riprap suggested by councilors.
