Applicants describe plans to use 96 Notch Road for small church gatherings; change-of-use review expected

At the Aug. 12 meeting the commission heard an informal presentation about a proposed change of use for 96 Notch Road to serve as a small gathering place for a church.

James and Eric Waskey, represented by Andrew Bushnell, said the site would host small break-out prayer gatherings typically on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings and might accommodate up to 50 people for occasional events, though they said typical attendance is about 30–35. The lot is about 0.65 acres. The applicants discussed parking layouts that include at least one handicap-accessible space and options such as permeable pavers or grass drive-over systems rather than full asphalt.

Town staff and the commission raised standard change-of-use concerns including the location of the septic system and the need to show a reserve area on the plan. Zoning Enforcement Officer Jim Rupert noted that the use does not increase expected flow and that a reserve leach-field area will be shown on plans. Commissioners asked about lighting and off-site overflow parking; the applicants said meetings usually occur in daylight, that one or two building-mounted lights on timers could be used for safety, and that adjacent municipal parking might be available as overflow though they do not expect to need it regularly.

No formal application or vote occurred at the Aug. 12 meeting; staff advised that a formal change-of-use application and site plan will be required for a future decision.