NEW GLOUCESTER – The Planning Board on Tuesday scheduled a public hearing on a request to expand the use of Brady’s Village Store.

Mike Brady bought the historic property in Lower Gloucester in 2000 and got Planning Board approval for a beauty parlor and small store, both on the first floor, and a pre-existing four bedroom apartment on the second floor. He had the building raised, put in a foundation and retaining wall and did extensive repairs and remodeling. Now he wants to convert the apartment into either residential or retail space, or both, he told the board.

Roughly a dozen neighbors listened Tuesday as the board gathered information from Brady and Code Enforcement Officer Debbie Parks.

Town Planner James Isaacson said nine parking spaces are needed for the plan, though Brady got approval in 2001 for 11 undersized spaces.

Board members said exiting onto Route 231 creates safety issues that need to be addressed.

The board clarified that only one freestanding sign is permitted on the half-acre lot, and no additional exterior lighting is allowed.

Neighbors have been complaining about the store’s lighting since the lights were turned on in 2001, Brady said after the meeting. That issue was turned over to former Code Enforcement Officer Bill Parquette, who ruled the lights were legal.

A public hearing is scheduled March 2.