Planning board carries 38 Lincoln Road use-variance after traffic and fire-access questions

The Butler Planning Board carried a use‑variance application for 38 Lincoln Road on May 21, 2026, after hearing technical testimony on traffic and emergency access and concerns from nearby residents.

Richard Clemack, attorney for the applicant, summarized previously given testimony explaining that the proposal would replace two existing buildings — a two‑family house and a commercial building with two residential units — with a 10‑unit, residential‑only development. The board was told the proposed use is permitted but that a variance is required because the lot is undersized.

Traffic engineer Nicky Kennedy presented circulation and parking plans and testified that Lincoln Road sees about 12 vehicles at peak in the morning and that the proposed development would generate roughly five trips during the peak hour. Kennedy also demonstrated, using a turnaround template requested by the board, that a fire truck could negotiate the site’s proposed turnaround.

Planner Donna Holmqvist, previously accepted by the board, introduced several exhibits, including an aerial photo and existing‑conditions maps. She described Lincoln Road as about 700 feet long, noted that the project calls for a single ingress and single egress, cited 12 existing parking spaces on Lincoln Road (9 by 18 feet each), and said the plan would widen Lincoln Road from about 21 feet to 28 feet.

Neighbors spoke during public comment. Al Strumolo, speaking on behalf of relatives at 37 Lincoln Road, raised concerns about increased traffic and how snow removal would be handled on the narrow roadway. Laurie and Al Stirling also addressed parking and snow‑removal impacts.

After a brief recess the applicant agreed to carry the application to a future meeting to provide additional information on fire‑truck access and related safety details. The board did not take a final vote on the use variance at the May 21 session.