WATERFORD — The Development Review Board on May 15 postponed a decision on a proposed residential business to next month.
Applicant Keith Decarolis seeks a conditional use permit to operate an automotive detailing, washing, and undercoating business at 356 Woodlawn Rd.
Under the plan, Decarolis would also perform small engine repair and possible “casual” sale of rehabbed off-road vehicles.
DRB continued the hearing to June 19 for two purposes:
— To determine if the proposed business will require state approval under the subdivision’s Act 250 Land Use permit.
— To allow Decarolis to revise the permit application, in order to provide further details on lighting and screening, and restrict use to detailing work only on smaller vehicles (no larger than a pickup truck).
During discussion on May 15, members of the public raised concerns over several issues.
Representing some of the abutters, attorney Chad Hickey said the neighborhood was never meant to host businesses, and that every other lot had covenant language that prohibits commercial use.
The fact that 356 Woodlawn Rd. does not have that language was “an oversight,” he said.
Furthermore, Hickey said the proposed use was a full-fledged “auto service station” and not a residential business, and that the permit application conflicted with the Town Plan.
In addition to Hickey, others in attendance questioned how business traffic would affect the residential road during mud season, and pointed out that a previous business permit application for the site had been denied (date not specified).
Responding to concerns about the disposal of wastewater and waste liquids, Decarolis said he would use biodegradable products that would not contaminate groundwater.
Zoning Administrator Chris Brimmer drafted a memo formally requesting the Act 250 determination and revisions to the permit application to reduce the scope to auto detailing services only.
Decarolis stated the business would not be viable if services were restricted to the inside of a garage building, due to the impact of water and cleaning materials on wood walls, or if the hours of operation were restricted from the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. specified in his application.
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