Meeting debates special-permit route for new used-car dealerships; item continued to Feb. 18

At a public meeting, participants debated amending a submitted zoning request so the planning board — not an outright prohibition — would be the special-permit granting authority for new used-car dealerships, Speaker 1 (role not specified) said.

The change would remove a proposed ban and instead make the planning board responsible for issuing special permits, Speaker 1 said: "No longer would we prohibit, but we would, make the planning board the special permit granting authority much like the mixed use by law." Supporters said that approach balances business openness with town oversight.

Speaker 2 (role not specified) framed the amendment as a compromise between those who want a complete prohibition and those who want no restrictions: "What I'm trying to support here and what I think this change to the measure accomplishes is a compromise." They added they were especially uncomfortable with prohibitions affecting class 2 licenses for small independent mechanics and favored the special-permit process.

Opponents warned about the community impact of unplanned dealer growth. Speaker 3 (role not specified) argued the town should plan for its future and questioned whether allowing another used-car dealership is "the best and highest use of our remaining land," adding that repeated first-come, first-served approvals risked poor outcomes.

Speaker 4 (role not specified) expressed a different view about government role, saying officials should not try to pick which industries succeed: "You buy it, and you do what you want with it. Otherwise, get out of the way." Speaker 4 said they would vote no on a prohibition.

Speaker 5 (role not specified) said they had been the measure's biggest critic at a prior meeting but changed their view after press coverage and online comments, noting that the town manager argues the property "is not the best use of this property" and residents "don't love the way it looks now."

Legal and procedural concerns surfaced in discussion: Speaker 3 cautioned that unclear standards could invite lawsuits, while others said the special-permit route allows the town flexibility to attract businesses and generate revenue.

Procedurally, Speaker 2 asked for a motion to continue the item to the Feb. 18 meeting. The motion was seconded (Mister Smith was named as second), and the continuance passed unanimously: "So that passed 5 nothing." The transcript does not record who made the motion.

The meeting will revisit the zoning amendment on Feb. 18, when members are expected to continue deliberations and any formal action.