Select Board approves Farm & Coast all‑alcohol license and directs police/DPW to design village loading zone

The Select Board on July 13 granted Lofburg Marketplace (Farm and Coast) an all‑alcohol package store license and simultaneously addressed residents’ concerns about delivery congestion in the village.

Attorney Peter Bullard described the lengthy approval process — town‑meeting votes, a home‑rule petition, and state approvals — that made the license possible. Manager Jody Cody told the board the retail footprint for bottled alcohol would occupy a narrow hutch near the restrooms and that initial deliveries would be small: “The initial delivery would probably be 10 cases to fill that slot, and then after that … a few extra cases,” Cody said, noting that roughly 95–98% of deliveries will be by existing vendors.

Residents and board members pressed the applicant about deliveries and tight parking in the village corridor around Bridge Street. Board member Dave Tattlebaum and Police Officer Canario recounted earlier discussions of a dedicated loading/unloading zone (15‑minute limit) near Scuttlebutt as a possible mitigation; Officer Canario said enforcement is difficult without a designated space and recommended creating one. DPW Director Tim Barber agreed to revisit the location and work with the police.

The board approved the license by voice vote and passed a separate motion directing the safety officer and DPW to develop a solution for a village loading zone “as soon as possible.” The motion passed unanimously.

What happens next: DPW and the safety officer will coordinate to identify and, if feasible, implement a short‑term loading zone for deliveries to the village retail corridor; staff will report back to the board.