Planning commission approves membership-based virtual golf simulator on Deming Road

The Berlin Planning & Zoning Commission granted a special permit on July 23 for a proposed indoor, membership-based virtual golf simulator at 384–400 Deming Road.

Justin Packard, civil engineer for the applicant, described a 9,600-square-foot front building with approximately 3,500 square feet proposed for the golf simulator: "We're proposing 4 golf bays ... potentially a fifth," Packard said. He told the commission the facility would rely on membership codes for after-hours entry, have security cameras, no alcohol sales and one employee during typical daytime operations. Jim Cassidy, the project's engineer, said the parking plan identifies 12 spaces for the use within a 65-space site and that the proposed layout exceeds the zoning requirement if the building were used for general retail.

Commissioners asked whether the operator would permit nonmembers or leagues, raising the prospect that larger events would increase parking demand. Packard and Cassidy said the operator intends to run the Berlin location as membership-only and noted that any future change to open hours, leagues or public access would require commission review because the approval is recorded on the land. The commission approved the permit with standard staff conditions and no added restriction limiting membership as a condition of approval. The applicant will record the site plan and proceed with any remaining building- or department-level permits before opening.