Swansea planning board continues hearing after neighbors raise traffic and wetland concerns for proposed James Road event space

The Swansea Planning Board on June 25 deemed complete a site-plan application to reuse a 1,600-square-foot detached accessory dwelling unit at 69 James Road as an event space for healing circles, yoga, meditation retreats and herbal classes and opened a public hearing on the proposal.

Planning staff told the board the proposal generally fits permitted use categories (function hall/educational facility) but the application needs clearer mapping and supporting details before final approval. "The GIS references a small stream that runs through your property," planning staff member Adam told the board and asked the applicant to submit an updated plan that shows the stream, environmental constraints and setbacks. He also said the Conservation Commission must review the application.

Staff raised concerns about parking geometry and maneuverability, noting that several spaces are currently shown on grass and should be relocated or hard‑packed; the plans should list space dimensions and include a turnaround area. Adam said the septic plan would support "12 to 15 guests and two employees," and warned that an expansion beyond that would require a new septic plan. He also asked that ADA access and the ADA parking space be shown on the final plan.

Applicant Terry Lewis said she already has a ramp and an accessible bathroom and that the grass parking areas are temporary because she has been "removing the topsoil" and will hardpack them when funds allow. Lewis said the event program is expected to be periodic and typically in the evening; "I do not expect 12 to 15 guests per day," she said, adding most activities will be quiet and indoor. Lewis noted three family weddings have taken place on the property previously and told the board, "My daughter's wedding had 200 people at it," describing past activity but saying the new use is intended for smaller, low‑impact gatherings.

A resident who identified themself as living on James Road said they had received notice about the hearing only two weeks earlier and asked whether the project was already a "done deal." The resident expressed concern about traffic and noise and said an autistic child on the road is sensitive to sound. The applicant and staff both described the planned programming as low‑noise and periodic.

Board members asked the applicant to show distances from the building and parking to the stream; Lewis confirmed the plan shows about 40 feet from the corner of the building to the stream and roughly 80 feet to the upper field where overflow parking could be located. The board also requested boundary lines or a clear location map for recordkeeping.

Given outstanding staff and Conservation Commission items, the board agreed to keep the record open and continue the public hearing to the July 9 meeting so conservation members can inspect and comment on proximity to wetlands. No final decision was made; the board voted to continue the hearing.

What happens next: the applicant will submit updated plans showing the stream, parking layout with dimensions and an identified ADA space, and the Conservation Commission will review the site before the board resumes the hearing on July 9.