Board grants two‑year extension for Route 28 boat‑storage project, after debate over milestones

The Alton Planning Board voted May 19 to grant a two‑year extension for the Route 28 boat‑storage project after hearing from the applicants and the town engineer and debating milestone language.

Anthony Jones of Jones Beach Engineers, representing site contractor Dave Fuller, told the board, "For clarity, we're seeking an extension to the CO requirement, not the initial construction," and said erosion controls had been installed, stockpiles and crushed subgrade were in place and the team expected to pour foundation concrete next spring. The property owner, who spoke during the meeting, confirmed stockpiles and processing activity on the five‑acre building parcel.

Board members pushed for tangible markers of progress before committing a long extension. "I'd really like to see a defined game plan for when this would really be completed," said Doug Brown, acting chair for the case, requesting a schedule and milestones (for example, concrete and steel in the ground) the board could check on at a future review. Several members voiced concern that repeated extensions without clear evidence of progress leave stale approvals on the books.

After discussion the board approved a motion to grant a two‑year completion window for both buildings, with certificate‑of‑occupancy milestones discussed for August 2028; members said the board could rescind or require reapplication if milestones are not met. Applicants said supply and price pressures following the pandemic had delayed work but that they intended to continue and return next year if required.

What happens next: the board recorded the extension and directed that milestone expectations be part of the record; staff and applicants may return next year with evidence of foundation work or request further procedural steps if needed.