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Planning board OKs hoop‑house expansion for long‑running floriculture business
Summary
The board approved a high‑tunnel (hoop‑house) expansion at 118 South Forest Road for Michel's (Bishop's Florist), accepting five site conditions; applicant said construction would take about four to six weeks.
Mark Yaden, vice president of Michel's (the florist/greenhouse at 118 South Forest Road), requested permission to install an 18‑foot‑tall high‑tunnel (hoop‑house) for production use, describing it as an unheated structure with a soil floor used to overwinter perennials and extend the growing season. Yaden said the facility is not customer‑accessible and emphasized his business’s long history in the town and its local workforce of about 25 employees.
Board members confirmed the five draft conditions attached to the site plan; Yaden said he and the team will address each condition. When asked about neighborhood outreach, Yaden said he had talked with adjacent property owners, who were supportive. He estimated a four‑ to six‑week construction time once ground is broken.
The board voted to approve the site plan subject to the five listed conditions. No public opposition was recorded during the hearing.
Next steps include completion of the planning department’s conditions and standard permitting and inspection steps prior to construction.
