Board presses trucking terminal at 39 Maple Avenue on fuel tank containment, fire access and flood status

At the April 8 meeting the board reviewed plans for a trucking terminal at 39 Maple Avenue and concentrated on the applicant's recent addition of a 500‑gallon outdoor heating fuel tank.

A board member raised the safety concern plainly: "I want that thing in a bathtub." Members asked whether the tank has containment and whether it is anchored to prevent flotation during floods. The applicant's representative did not provide containment details at the meeting, which prompted members to request proof or a design that meets floodplain requirements.

Why it matters: the site is within or adjacent to the floodplain and drains toward the Will River. Board members argued containment, anchoring and the elevation of equipment and mechanicals must be verified and, if needed, a letter of map amendment pursued to remove buildings from mapped flood zones.

Members also required a fire lane and signage. The board suggested memorializing a "no parking — fire lane" area and mandatory signage where the property narrows to preserve fire‑truck access and egress.

Next steps: the board asked for documentation showing the tank is anchored and contained, verification of the site's floodplain status, and a plan for no‑parking fire lanes and signage before final action.