Planning Board presses for attorney involvement, code enforcement after withdrawn Simmons Jones site-plan application

The Planning Board spent the bulk of its Nov. 20 meeting addressing a withdrawn site-plan application for 8970 Main Street (Simmons Jones LLC / Robert Simmons). Board members debated whether the current on‑site activity (a proposed multi‑use operation with indoor and outdoor seating and a pizza oven) differs from the original submission and whether the applicant is operating without required permits. Several members asked that the town attorney be involved and that code enforcement follow up.

Member David Lortscher said he was aware the applicant has been operating a pizza oven and noted concerns over compliance: "I know they’re operating the pizza oven without a hood." Leonard Wildman called that a safety concern: "this is a fire hazard." Members also described inconsistent pre‑application practices and repeatedly urged that applications be complete before being scheduled for public hearings. Planning staff (Kayleigh Schultz) said she had contacted the applicant's attorney for clarification and would forward documentation to the town attorney.