The item was approved 4-1 with several zoning modifications including that operating hours be set from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, that the west-facing bay doors be closed during business hours and that the originally proposed south bay doors be eliminated. Council Member Sandeep Sharma opposed the item.
The boat sales site will be located south of Justin Road and west of Stone Hill Farms Parkway.
The special use permit, according to the proposed plan, also requires that:
- No outdoor servicing of boats shall be permitted on the property.
- No rack storage of boats shall be permitted.
- The light fixtures of light poles will be completely shielded, and the foot-candle readings along the entire length of the southern property line will be limited to zero.
- Boat servicing will be limited to the area accessed from the two western bay doors only.
During the public hearing, 10 residents spoke on the item. Many, who live in the neighborhood south of the site, shared concerns regarding lighting, noise and the southern bay doors on the applicant's original proposal.
Other community members were in favor of the boat dealer because it's an application that requires a permit, and the council can make adjustments. A fear among some residents is what could move to the site that falls under current town zoning, such as a car dealership, hotel or amusement site.
Town members Adam Schiestel and Ann Martin had concerns similar to residents. Schiestel said he had concerns with the south bay doors, which were removed in the final vote.
Martin’s concern was on the light pollution the boat seller might cause the neighboring homes, she said. Those concerns were eliminated with the light shield requirement.
