DRB approves mobile food vendor at Lowe’s lot with crosswalk restriping, emergency-contact and barrier conditions

The Development Review Board unanimously approved June 4 a site-plan amendment permitting a mobile food vendor at the Lowe’s parking lot on Sunderland Way, imposing conditions aimed at pedestrian safety and operations.

Staff described a trial period during which Al’s French Fries operated on consecutive seven-day permits. Public-works and police checks found traffic was manageable, but staff recommended restriping crosswalks and repainting stop bars. Board members asked whether the vendor would rely on Lowe’s restrooms, whether the vendor’s hours would fall outside Lowe’s hours, and how the town would manage pedestrian flow.

Ben Fry, representing applicant Shane Bissonette, told the board the vendor is a 27-foot trailer that has Department of Health permits and will be seasonal. The proposed hours were 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fry said Lowe’s customers and other passersby currently use the site.

Nick Martin proposed and the board adopted additional findings that the vendor must display an after-hours emergency contact on the trailer and that adequate barriers be provided on the north side of the vendor area where tall outdoor storage could pose a hazard. The board also required a pedestrian plan and restriping of crosswalks and stop bars as a condition of approval.

Chair moved approval; Nick Martin seconded, and the motion carried 5–0. Staff will provide the applicant a list of conditions and inspect for compliance before operations continue.