Planning staff: revised site plan for 227 Maple Street addresses emergency access; board recommends ZBA approval

Planning staff told the Middleton Planning Board on June 10 that revisions to the site plan for 227 Maple Street address several prior nonconformances and include added green space, a one-way entrance from Maple Street, a two-way entrance from Gregory Street, a turnaround between buildings, new signage, two handicap-accessible parking spaces and a dumpster enclosure.

Planning Director Anna Carmer said the applicant provided an analysis showing the drive-aisle width can accommodate the new fire engine and therefore should accommodate emergency vehicles. "[The plan] will be able to accommodate all emergency vehicles," she said. The plan indicates 37 parking spaces, three more than required, and staff said vehicles that are not actively being repaired would be kept on a gravel area beyond the marked parking stalls.

Board members raised questions before making a formal recommendation. Chair Jason Bernhard expressed concern about overall parking adequacy. Kyle Smith asked whether vehicles kept on the gravel might leak fluids into the ground; Carmer said she would relay that concern to the Zoning Board of Appeals to ensure it is managed. After discussion, Shad Brook moved that the board make a positive recommendation to the ZBA on the site-plan modification; the motion carried 4-0.

The board's positive recommendation formally forwards the revised plan to the ZBA for its consideration; the Planning Board minutes do not record a final ZBA decision.