Resident asks Planning Commission to rezone Commercial Lane property after RC car track evolved into event campground

At the Jan. 14 meeting, resident Bob Montminy asked the Planning Commission to consider changing the zoning for his property on Commercial Lane from Industrial to Industrial-Commercial. Montminy said the site began as an RC car track and education center, was permitted by the Development Review Board as a school, and has since evolved into a community event space that at times includes camping and overnight stays for racers and their families.

Montminy told the commission the on-site activity has accommodated up to 119 people at weekend events and during weekly races. He asked the commission to consider the rezone because the Industrial district does not allow some of those uses; he also noted that, according to the meeting record, a state statute requires schools to be permitted in all zoning districts. Commission members discussed the complexities of a zoning change and potential impacts on neighboring properties and said they would revisit the request when the town considers broader zoning district changes. The Development Review Board will consider changes to the property, including campsites and additional buildings, which may require permits.

The commission did not take formal action on the rezoning request at the Jan. 14 meeting and agreed to place the topic on a future agenda when other zoning-district amendments are discussed.