Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Exception Coffee Roaster topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Greenland ZBA grants Piscataqua Roasters special exception to operate coffee roaster at 10 Alden Avenue
Summary
The Greenland Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a Special Exception to Piscataqua Roasters to operate a coffee roasting facility at 10 Alden Avenue, citing internal-only changes, low traffic, roof ventilation and a Fire Department review on file. The vote was unanimous.
The Greenland Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 16 granted a Special Exception to Piscataqua Roasters, allowing the company to convert Unit 10 at 10 Alden Avenue into a coffee roasting facility.
Rick Chellman of TND Engineering presented the application on behalf of applicants Emma Nelson and Karen Bouffard. He told the board the conversion would be largely internal — with only a possible light over a rear door and a small identification sign added — and said roasting equipment would be vented to the roof. Chellman described typical roasting conditions during the hearing, noting temperatures around 400° are not unusual and batch roast times generally run 10 to 15 minutes. He estimated routine traffic would be minimal (about one vehicle on most days and two on days when beans are delivered by truck). The space previously used for woodworking has been cleaned, he said, and is ready for roasting.
Board members reviewed the five Special Exception criteria under the Greenland Zoning Ordinance (Article III, Section 3.6). The application materials argued the proposed use poses no hazard to the public or adjacent property, will not change neighborhood characteristics or depress property values, will not create a traffic safety hazard, will not place excessive demand on municipal services, and will not increase stormwater runoff because there are no exterior changes.
A copy of a Fire Department review from Chief Stanchina was noted as on file. During public comment, neighboring business owner Fred Ludington said he had not been notified of the hearing; the minutes record a clarification that only the property association, not each abutter, required notification. Ludington also offered assistance with moving beans.
Leonard Schwab moved to grant the Special Exception; Glenn Page seconded. The motion carried with the board recorded as "all in favor." The board also approved routine minutes and adjourned at 6:40 p.m. The ZBA is scheduled to meet next on July 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.
