DRB closes hearing on revised fuel‑canopy plan after Legion raises safety and access concerns

The Ludlow Development Review Board on March 9 closed the recessed public hearing on an application by Richard Taggard Trust c/o Summit Distributing, LLC to construct a new fuel canopy in the Village Residential‑Commercial District. Chair George Tucker, Jr. said the hearing had been remanded from the Vermont Superior Court and that updated documents had been entered into evidence.

Applicant representatives presented revised plans that remove the existing large Shell sign in favor of a shorter pole‑mounted Shell sign, add a building sign reading “MOUNTAIN VIEW MARKET,” place NO TRUCKS/NO TRAILERS signage on the canopy face, and install a removable 45‑foot post‑and‑chain fence along the property line. The applicants also said the canopy will include a dry fire suppression system beneath the canopy. Tom Frawley, speaking for the project team, stated, “the dry fire suppression will absolutely suppress a fire.”

Representatives of the adjacent American Legion raised access and safety concerns. Ned Bowen said the Legion had asked its membership about sprinklers and would consider them if the DRB approved the project, and noted the Legion’s insurer “does not give legal advice” regarding coverage. Board members asked detailed questions about the fence posts, whether posts would sit in sleeves that might freeze, and whether the chain could be removed to allow emergency access; the applicant said posts would be sleeved and the chain could be removed by design.

After discussion the board voted to close the hearing. Motion: Julie Nicoll; second: John Boehrer. Outcome: motion passed unanimously.