Retail-to-office proposal at 1057 Boston Post Road continued as commissioners seek clearer statement of use and parking plan

The Zoning Commission kept the public hearing open June 22 on an application by Davalia Holdings LLC (agent Steve Beski) to convert a retail space at 1057 Boston Post Road to office use and continue a seasonal outdoor market.

Agent Steve Beski told the commission the planned operation would primarily be a satellite office for training and administrative functions, with two to five people typically on site and occasional trainings that could bring larger groups for short periods. “I would love to keep both,” Beski said of office use and a small seasonal market, but he indicated he could drop the market if it impeded approval.

Commissioners repeatedly raised parking and circulation concerns, citing narrow drive aisles, encroachment onto state-owned property for gravel parking in one area, and the need for accessible parking. They asked Beski to provide a clarified statement of use listing employee counts and peak weekend vs. weekday activity, and suggested coordination with the building official and town engineer on aisle widths and handicap requirements.

With no public commenters present, the commission voted to keep the hearing open and continue the item to the July 20 meeting to allow the applicant to return with a clearer statement of use and any necessary plan adjustments.

Why it matters: The site is in a location with tight parking and traffic flow; commissioners emphasized that unclear proposed uses complicate the commission’s evaluation of potential traffic and safety impacts.

What’s next: Applicant will refine the statement of use, clarify employee and customer peaks, and work with town staff on drive-aisle/handicap compliance before the July 20 hearing.