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Developer proposes converting Milton hotel to mixed-use building with 20 apartments; DRB closes hearing
Summary
Applicant Gabe Handy sought a PUD amendment to convert a hotel footprint at 368 Route 7 South into first-floor commercial space and 20 residential units. The DRB closed the hearing after listing plan revisions and submittals the applicant must provide, including a revised height (applicant agreed to 39 feet) and legal review and escrow requirements.
The Milton Development Review Board (DRB) closed the public hearing May 14 on a Planned Unit Development amendment that would convert an existing hotel footprint at 368 Route 7 South into a mixed‑use building with first‑floor commercial space and 20 upper‑floor residential units.
The application, for the PUD recorded as 18.46 acres and owned by Evergreen Residences LLC and Franklin South LLC, was represented by engineer Karl Marchessault of O'Leary‑Burke Civil Associates. Applicant Gabe Handy requested Major Site Plan approval, conditional use review and a subdivision PUD amendment for a footprint lot in the Checkerberry Commercial (M4‑C) zoning district within the Town Core Planning Area.
Board members reviewed the proposal and read a list of advisory items and plan requirements the applicant must satisfy before the DRB can act on a final application. The DRB asked the applicant to provide a Permit Navigator Summary or Project Review Sheet; respond to TAC comments; specify the proposed first‑floor uses (the application indicates the applicant is requesting uses listed as "Permitted" and retail as a conditional use under section 2123); clarify density using the appropriate M4‑R calculation if applicable; and provide dimensional standards and other details to demonstrate conformance with development standards (section 2107.D).
The board noted the applicant was proposing a height greater than the M4‑C 40‑foot maximum; the applicant agreed to amend plans to 39 feet. The DRB also requested local and state approvals for water and sewer allocation and connection, erosion control and stormwater management plans for Public Works review (sections 3009 and 3010), parking and bicycle storage in accordance with sections 3202 and 3203, pedestrian access, lighting and signage compliance, and trash/dumpster details. The board said it may require a traffic impact study and will determine whether the proposed change in upper‑floor residential uses affects the character of the area (section 3304).
The DRB listed procedural and legal requirements for recording a final plat, including a $500 legal escrow to cover the town attorney's review and the need to submit draft deeds and instruments for legal review. The board referenced the state subdivision filing timeline under 24 V.S.A. § 4463(b): a final subdivision plat must be filed within 180 days of final approval unless the Zoning Administrator grants a written 90‑day extension when other permits are pending.
Julie Rutz moved to close the hearing at 7:30 p.m.; Mary Callahan seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The board closed the public hearing but did not grant final approvals; the applicant must submit the requested materials and satisfy legal and technical requirements before the DRB can issue a final decision.
