Commission backs waivers for contractor shops at 10529 Flower Street; site to retain 2.41 acres as conservation

The commission voted Oct. 1 to recommend approval of two waiver requests for contractor shops proposed at 10529 Flower Street by Bill Pines LLC. Counsel Hugh Propper told the commission the 3.75-acre site would host two 38-by-80 contractor-shop buildings, and that 2.41 acres would be maintained in forest conservation; he said the shops would not be visible from Flower Street because of existing woodlands and wetlands.

Commissioners asked about the private drive, culvert and how the gravel would be contained; the applicant said the access is a private drive that will be about 20 feet wide, low-volume, and the gravel would be contained on site. After discussion the commission approved both the landscaping waiver and the gravel-drive waiver by voice votes. The record shows the site previously had a front building used by the owner, Ben Sharp, and staff confirmed the project met TRC requirements except for the two requested waivers.

The applicant noted stormwater and forest-conservation commitments and said the front of the site contains non-tidal wetlands that will not be disturbed. Commissioners asked staff to confirm permitting details, culvert stability and long-term maintenance of the gravel access during subsequent site-plan review.