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Bree Burns’ plan to reopen former Waterman Beach Brewery as event space approved with conditions
Summary
On July 23 the South Thomaston Planning Board approved an event-space application for the former Waterman Beach Brewery, requiring the applicant to provide final measurements and documentation; the board set limits on hours, staffing and noise and required confirmation of porta‑potty and parking placement.
The South Thomaston Planning Board on July 23 voted to approve an application by Bree Burns to operate an event space at the former Waterman Beach Brewery site, provided Burns supplies requested measurements and documentation to staff.
Burns told the board she updated the plan to address questions about alcohol service, restrooms, capacity, seating layout, operating hours, lighting, noise and signage. "I did try to address all of the questions that you had last meeting, regarding alcohol, restrooms, capacity in terms of seating and operating hours, lighting..." Burns said. The board asked for confirmation of an overflow-parking location and whether the wet field on the property could support vehicles.
Board members and staff pressed for operational details. Burns said food would either be prepared in a commissary kitchen and assembled on site or, for larger events, prepared with the cooperation of a local church kitchen; she also said the business holds a catering license. The applicant agreed that permanent toilets are not feasible and that porta‑potties would be used and screened. Burns proposed event hours to be set "per event," suggesting typical event times of about 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; she estimated 2–5 staff per event and that the on‑site parking currently accommodates about 25 vehicles.
The board emphasized noise and closing-time limits. The Chair restated that noise must not exceed 65 decibels at the nearest property and that the venue should close at 9:00 p.m. The board voted to approve the application with the condition that Burns provide the requested measurements and any documentation needed to confirm parking counts and porta‑potty placement. The Chair asked Burns to deliver the measurements to staff member Terry to complete the file.
The applicant and board members discussed stage placement, string lighting and the location of a holding tank that limits heavy vehicle placement. Burns said she would confirm exact placements. The approval included the requirement that the applicant work with staff on final site measurements and historic file items pulled from the property’s prior site review history. The board recorded the approval and instructed Burns to return only if future changes (for example, different uses or expanded capacity) require re-review.
