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Planning board conditionally approves Hand in Hand Senior Center change‑of‑use with five conditions
Summary
The Weare Planning Board conditionally approved a change‑of‑use/site plan allowing Hand in Hand Senior Center and thrift shop to operate at 733 South Stark Highway, subject to labeling the plan as a change‑of‑use, updated signature block, owner identification, variance case citation and written church parking/access permission.
The Weare Planning Board voted June 25 to conditionally approve a change‑of‑use for Hand in Hand Senior Center at 733 South Stark Highway, clearing a key procedural step that will allow the nonprofit to pursue building permits while staff tracks outstanding conditions.
Helene Kirk, authorized to represent Hand in Hand Senior Center, told the board the center is a volunteer‑run 501(c)(3) that provides social, recreational and thrift‑shop services for older residents and expects to open programs quickly if approvals proceed. “We would like to open by September 1,” Kirk said, and described two proposed handicap ramps and interior work needed before occupancy.
Board staff outlined five conditions attached to the approval: identify the submission as a “change of use site plan” rather than a lot‑line adjustment; add a new signature block showing the planning board signer; list Hand in Hand as the owner on the plan; reference the April 7 ZBA variance with its case number on the site documents; and provide written permission from the neighboring church for the shared parking access and a path through a stone wall. The board said a conditional approval would allow issuance of a building permit while conditions are satisfied; a certificate of occupancy will be withheld until all conditions are complete.
During public comment Shirley Higgins, a board member of Hand in Hand, urged the board to approve the change: “It is important…we are an integral part of our community,” she said. The board noted staff’s safety suggestion that organizers coordinate with police for peak times and recommended a simple in‑building reminder sign to advise visitors to look carefully before exiting the driveway.
Outcome: Staff moved to approve the change of use with the five conditions; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The applicant will submit revised plan text, the signature block, and formal written parking permission from the church for the file before the conditions are cleared.
