Fiber Optic Firm Seeks Expansion

A Commerce Road firm is seeking Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) approval to expand its factory, which makes electronic communications equipment.

International Fiber Systems, Inc., of 16 Commerce Road, has received zoning variances for the expansion project from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), attorney James LeDonne, representing International, told P&Z members June 1. The firm manufactures fiber optic network equipment.

As proposed, the expansion project would exceed the limits on how much of the site can be covered by development as specified by the zoning regulations, so the firm sought and received the zoning variances.

 International wants to build an addition at the rear of its 25,000-square-foot building. A main level and basement level each would enclose 7,720 square feet of space for a total expanded area of 15,440 square feet. The added enclosed area would be mostly used as warehousing space, the lawyer said. The project would include construction of a loading dock.

Five more employees would work at the facility, resulting in a minimal traffic impact on the area, he said.

Engineer Mark Pronovost, representing International, said constructing the addition would require that 2,200 cubic yards of earthen fill be removed from the site.

P&Z members discussed aspects of the expansion proposal. They decided to have the town engineer review drainage calculations for the project. P&Z action on the project is expected at an upcoming session.