WILTON – The Planning Board let stand Thursday its permit for a mental health clinic on Depot Street granted 14 months ago.

At the last board meeting, member Keith Swett reminded officials that a one-year review of the permit was overdue.

Before the permit was issued, neighbors had contacted officials with concerns, including whether the facility would bring in sexual predators or people with violent histories. Frederick and Helen Grey asked that a new fence be built to separate their home from the outpatient clinic because the current one had holes in it.

Owner Alex Tessmann said the fence was adequate.

The permit was granted with the conditions that parking be on premise and Tessmann would speak with the town road foreman about putting up no parking signs along the road at Tessmann’s expense.

Planners said Thursday they think the conditions of the permit were satisfied and since no one came forward with any complaints or concerns this year, they would take no further action on the permit.

Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Medcoff said she notified all of the abutters of the property of the meeting to review the permit.

Planners approved a use permit for Dean and Shari Harding to operate a tanning salon on Route 2, with the condition that Medcoff get the hours of operation. The business, named Sizzle, will be located beside NAPA Auto Parts. There will be no changes to the building and a business has already existed there.

Medcoff said the Hardings have put in an application for a sign, but she has not yet approved it, although the sign has already been put up. Planners decided to leave the sign issue up to Medcoff’s discretion.

In other business, Boyd Bachelder told officials his auto repair business is expanding, and he would like permission for more parking spaces. He has a permit for 12. In addition, Bachelder said he plans to buy into an auto sales business and sell snow machines as well. He’d like to turn a garage into a warehouse and store some vehicles out in the open.

Since Bachelder’s property is zoned in farm and forest, he is limited to a 2,500-square-foot area for business use, including a building and impervious area. Bachelder questioned why he couldn’t have two separate businesses on his five acres and have the limitations apply separately to each.

Planners were split on whether this could be allowed because the town’s ordinance does not specify whether the square footage applies to only the lot or to a business. Bachelder said he also considered asking the board to change the zoning for his property to commercial, but the board said it prefers not to do “spot zoning” in town.

Medcoff will ask the Maine Municipal Association for legal advice about whether the square footage limitation could be doubled for two separate businesses and clarification about storing vehicles outside of a building.

Copy the Story Link