Board delays sports-court request, adopts requirement for site photos and debates legal/engineering presence

The Zoning Board of Appeals paused action on a proposed multiuse sports court so the applicant could submit photographs and a screening/landscaping plan and to allow a possible site visit. Landscape architect Bill Einhorn said the proposed court would increase impervious area by about 7,200 square feet; members raised questions about topography, lighting, screening and the potential for interference with neighbors' "quiet enjoyment."

"I think we'd all be pretty comfortable with it if you came back with a little bit more detailed landscaping plan," one committee member said during deliberations, and the board left the record open and adjourned the item to the next calendar so applicants can supply the requested materials.

The meeting also produced two administrative shifts. First, board members endorsed a proposal that future applications include photographs of the site and neighboring properties; the chair asked staff to work with the planning office to create a checklist for applicants. Second, members raised the recurring issue of town representation at hearings: several said having a town attorney, engineer or building inspector available (even by remote connection) would reduce delays and conflicting interpretations in complex cases.

"We had two different attorneys from two different sides telling us two different stories," one member said, urging more consistent counsel when high-stakes matters appear before the board.

What to expect

The sports-court applicant will return with photos and a landscaping/screening proposal; the board indicated it may visit the site. The planning office will be asked to add a photographs requirement to the application package; the chair said she would pursue a formal request for town engineering/legal presence with elected officials.