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Board members flag parking and emergency-access risks during Spring Street variance debate
Summary
During debate on the 112–114 Spring Street variance, several board members said existing on-street parking narrows the roadway and could impede emergency responders, prompting the board to require additional off-street parking as a condition of approval.
Board members raised repeated concerns that on-street parking along Spring Street creates congestion and could impede emergency-vehicle access, a central point of debate during consideration of the variance for 112–114 Spring Street.
One member said they observed the block in person and described the road as cramped: "There barely 1 car can get through it at a time." Members referenced a local rule developed with police and fire that requires 12 feet of clear roadway between parked vehicles and said the requirement would be enforced if parking reduced clearance below that threshold.
The applicant, Derek Holmes, said each proposed house would have a driveway for two vehicles and that he could make adjustments, including widening a driveway or adding an extra spot, to reduce the need for on-street parking. The board added a parking stipulation to the variance approval to address the concern.
The town attorney advised that individual board members should not conduct independent investigations alone and suggested any site visits be coordinated so members see conditions simultaneously.
