The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the first phase of a two phase project to build a new Ace Hardware Store at the corner of State Road and Old County Road, next to the British Beer Company by a vote of 4-1. Phase two would be a housing project behind the Ace.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Ken Tavares will be inviting the Planning Board to a future Selectman meeting to discuss the Planning Board decision to amend a covenant off Bump Rock Road to allow for additional development. The controversial amendment was approved by a 3-1 vote of the Planning Board last week and could set a precedent for approximately 80 other open space covenants the Town holds protecting hundreds of acres across Town.
After the vote Planning Board Chairman Malcolm MacGregor called it “the worst motion I’ve seen on this board in the past 35 years”.
Multiple restaurants received approval from the Board of Selectmen to offer out door dinning this spring and summer season, including in the downtown area. Main and Court Streets would remain two-way, unlike last year’s one way trial.
KKaties, UVA wine bar, Honey Baby and Cork & Table were approved to offer out door dinning in parking spots in front of their restaurants. Last week, behind Town Hall, a demo project was built to visualize on street dinning. The Cork and Table expansion will close the sidewalk and require pedestrians to cross the street at the crosswalk near the Cork and Table.
Roll Street Tavern, The Tasty and Shanty Rose received permission to expand on private and public property. 42 North, Aroma, the 99, Tavern on the Wharf and Independent Fermentations on Camelot Drive were all approved to offer out door dining on private property. All approvals were unanimous vote by the Board but are still subject to departmental approval before the licenses are issued. More requests for out door dining are expected.
The Town has built a demo outdoor dining restaurant “bump-out” behind Town Hall, here is what it looks like.
More coverage here: Breaking: Planning Board approves Bump Rock project without conditions on 3-1 vote
The Planning Board tonight approved a Chiltonville project to add new homes off of Bump Rock Road by a vote of 3-1.
Paul McAlduff, Rob Bielen and Tim Grandy voted yes, chair Malcom MacGregor voted no. After the vote MacGregor called it “the worst motion I’ve seen on this board in the past 35 years”. Contrary to prior reporting, a unanimous vote of the Planning Board was not required.
