LIVERMORE FALLS – After welcoming new member Stephen Deschesne to the board Wednesday night, the Planning Board quickly gave approval to three new businesses.

Elaine Smith’s Book Nook at 93 Main St., near Food City, was given full approval, with no penalty, even though she has already opened her business.

Chairman Guy Palmieri explained that Smith was not in violation for having opened before receiving board approval because the December session, when she would have been approved, had been canceled due to weather conditions.

Pamela Sue Cook’s proposal for Country Comfort, a retail clothing store that will also feature quilting supplies and classes, was approved pending state certification.

She will be in Central Plaza, in the space previously occupied by the saddle shop since another location across the street fell through, she said.

Cook said the space is ready for her, including a changing room, and she hopes to open Feb. 9 and will be open from 9 to 5 Monday through Saturday.

She will feature plus-size clothing and club wear. Later she plans to set up for quilting supplies and to have classes.

Daniel St. Pierre’s proposal for The Trading Post was also approved, pending state approval and license.

He will operate a pawn shop in the space next to the Chuck Wagon Restaurant, formerly occupied by the golf shop. He hopes to be open within 10 days, with hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Pierre explained some of the workings of a pawn shop to the planners, noting that he will be handling no firearms but will accept tools, jewelry, movies, games, sporting goods, instruments and collectibles.

He also said he had talked with police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. about overseeing the operation, which can be done either locally or by the state. Steward will receive a copy of the serial numbers of all items brought in.

St. Pierre said items brought in must be kept for 30 days to give the owner the opportunity to redeem them. After that, they may be offered for sale.

Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Medcoff reported that new junkyard laws are making it difficult for CEOs. “It’s now a monitoring game; it becomes very time consuming,” she said.

Medcoff also discussed with the board items for town meeting action. Among them are clarifications to the home occupation and building lots standards ordinances.

The board would also like to have a joint meeting with selectmen to discuss common concerns.

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