Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Small Business topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board approves Honeybee Healing Hive yoga studio at 170 Main Street
Summary
The Auburn Planning Board granted a special‑exception use to Honeybee Healing Hive (Melissa St. Pierre) to operate a yoga studio at 170 Main Street in the downtown T‑5.1 district, with staff recommending approval and no conditions; the board noted parking is available in a municipal lot nearby.
The Auburn Planning Board on Aug. 19 approved a special‑exception use allowing Honeybee Healing Hive, owned by Melissa St. Pierre, to operate a yoga studio at 170 Main Street in the downtown traditional center (T‑5.1) zoning district.
Staff recommended approval without conditions after concluding the proposed studio is compatible with downtown form‑based code patterns and that parking demand can be met by a municipal lot across the street. St. Pierre told the board classes will be primarily drop‑in with options for multi‑class passes rather than an always‑open gym‑style membership.
Why it matters: The planning board’s acceptance avoids a contested zoning interpretation and allows a small business to open in a ground‑floor commercial space formerly occupied by a chocolate shop. Staff noted the application was brought forward out of caution because the use could be interpreted as a “private club” under the form‑based code language; the board found the studio fits within permissible uses.
Public comment and vote: No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for this item. A board member moved to approve and the motion carried; the recorder did not announce a numeric tally on the record.
Next steps: St. Pierre may proceed with the permit and lease documentation on file with the Planning Department and will coordinate with staff if additional information is needed.
