1774 Inn seeks temporary event parking; planning board continues hearing for more details

Sarah Dunnegan, owner of the 1774 Inn, presented a proposal to lease adjacent land at 42 Parkerhead Road for temporary, seasonal event parking intended to address wedding and event overflow. Dunnegan said the inn operates with eight on‑site spaces and relies on nearby church and library lots on some event days; her plan would add temporary, minimally invasive parking, vegetative screening, signage and two on‑site parking monitors, and she offered to avoid permanent alterations to the leased parcel.

Dunnegan described the town’s setback definitions and why she believed her plan complied: "The inn has 8 spaces, which is tight even for our 8 bed bed and breakfasts" and later clarified she understood the ordinance to require a 150‑foot buffer for restaurant/music uses but contended the proposed use is temporary and not a musical or restaurant activity. Board members pressed the applicant on whether the applicable buffer is 100 feet or 150 feet from a residential lot line, whether Lot 3’s wet conditions make it unsuitable, and whether a variance would be needed; attendees asked for measurements and a legal review. After discussion the board voted to continue the public hearing to May 12 at 4:30 p.m. to allow the applicant to rework plans and supply requested materials.