Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Plan to convert auto shop into a cafe prompts parking and DOT questions
Summary
A proposal to convert a former auto shop into a cafe raised board concerns about driveway geometry, DOT driveway permits, circulation and parking sharing with adjacent parcels; applicant and engineer said occupancy is limited to 49 and that trip estimates use the ITE manual.
The planning board reviewed a plan to convert a former automotive shop into a cafe that would serve coffee and light food and include outdoor seating. Justine Drake of Hinkley Hill Designs described plans to bring electric service underground, create parking on Veil and Easy streets and build a raised curb island for outdoor seating. "The occupancy is 49 people in that building," Drake said when asked about capacity.
Board members repeatedly flagged circulation and driveway constraints, noting the state Department of Transportation (DOT) may require a new driveway permit if the use changes and that the location could be too narrow for two-way vehicle circulation. Residents and trustees urged the applicant to consider shared parking across the two properties and to coordinate with DOT ahead of the next review. The plan uses ITE trip-generation estimates rather than a site-specific traffic study; applicants and staff described the trip numbers as conservative.
