Highland Plaza Gains

Zoning Permit Revisions

By Andrew Gorosko

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) has approved two modifications to the special zoning permit that it previously granted to Highland HC, LLC, for its Highland Plaza retail complex at 123 South Main Street.

On January 22, the P&Z granted the applicant approval to install a freestanding commercial sign with identifying information about the complex.

Also, the P&Z approved a request to allow motor vehicles to be stored in the lower level of Building #2 at the site, rather than having that space be used as a parking area, as had been previously approved.

A physical fitness center, known as Snap Fitness 24-7, is now doing business at Highland Plaza.

The plaza site formerly held The Fireside Inn, a popular restaurant, banquet hall, and catering facility, which closed for business and was sold in 2006 for redevelopment.

Through the Special Development District (SDD) aspect of the P&Z’s South Main Village Design District (SMVDD) zoning regulations, Highland HC, LLC, has gained regulatory approval to convert the former Fireside Inn site to new commercial uses. The SDD aspect of SMVDD zoning is a regulatory mechanism which allows the development or the redevelopment of a commercial site along South Main Street to be tailored to the characteristics of that individual property, provided that the P&Z and the applicant agree on the specifics of the project.

The applicant has gained P&Z approval to create almost 60,000 square feet of commercial space at the site, which has underlying B-2 (Business) zoning.

In approving a 50-square-foot freestanding commercial sign for Highland Plaza, P&Z members, in a 4-to-1 vote, decided that the application meets the requirements of the of the SMVDD zoning regulations in terms of its design and visual compatibility with the area. Also, P&Z members decided that the application conforms with the SDD aspect of SMVDD zoning. Additionally, the application meets the requirements of the 2004 Town Plan of Conservation and Development.

Also, P&Z members, in an unanimous vote, modified the applicant’s special permit to replace the previously approved lower level parking in Building #2 with vehicle storage.

The P&Z decided that the applicant would need to return to the P&Z if it wants to convert any vehicle storage space into self-storage space. Also, the P&Z prohibited any vehicle maintenance or repair work being done in the vehicle storage area.

Additionally, P&Z members decided that the vehicle storage use of the property meets the terms of the SMVDD regulations and the SDD rules, as well as conforms with the Town Plan.