Commission accepts event special‑permit application for Highland Lake property and schedules July 28 hearing

The Planning and Zoning Commission on July 14 accepted an application from James Grama for a special permit to hold events at 2272 Birch Rock Trail and scheduled a public hearing for July 28 at 7 p.m.

Applicant James Grama presented a short narrative, a property survey and photos of the site. He told the commission the survey clearly marks the relevant features and that his backyard sits about four feet higher than the shoreline, a factor commissioners said they wanted to consider when viewing any proposed fence or screening.

"Everything's clearly marked on the survey as to what, you know, what offense is," Grama said of the plans and pictures he provided. He offered to let commissioners inspect the property and confirmed the application included a statement that commissioners may enter the site for inspection.

Commissioners asked for additional photos from angles that show how fences and proposed improvements would appear from neighboring properties and from the street. One commissioner recommended commissioners make individual site visits before the next meeting; Grama said staff and neighbors had already walked the site with staff members Jeff and Jeremy.

The commission voted to accept the application and to schedule a public hearing for July 28. The materials submitted, including photos provided at the meeting, will become part of the record and staff said they would scan and circulate any additional images to commissioners before the hearing.

Next steps: the application will proceed to public hearing on July 28, when the commission will accept public comment and deliberate further. Commissioners may inspect the property prior to that meeting.