Swanzey Planning Board approves Shimp Family Oil site plan and new-tenant permit

Chair Victoria Ames presided over the Swanzey Planning Board on May 28 as members approved a site plan and a new-tenant permit for Shimp Family Oil, a home heating oil delivery and septic-pumping business proposed for 85 Manadnok Highway (Tax Map 103, Lot 64).

The board found the application materials sufficiently complete after reviewing prior approvals and a current site sketch showing the garage, parking and wetlands. Town staff noted a previously approved site plan from 2008 and a 2008 ZBA decision allowing auto repair on the lot; the new plan seeks to convert an existing commercial garage into office space and to formalize truck parking on the rear concrete and gravel pads.

The applicant, Jonathan Shimp, told the board there would be no bulk oil storage on the site. "Whenever we park an oil truck down there, it's emptied," Shimp said, adding that trucks would be parked on the concrete pad or adjacent gravel area behind the garage and that vehicles would be stored empty until needed. Board members asked clarifying questions about which parking spaces and surfaces would be used and whether any new lighting or septic permits were required.

After closing the public hearing, Michael York moved to approve the site plan; Richard Lane seconded. The motion carried by voice vote. The board then voted to approve Shimp's new-tenant application for the same address. That permit records hours of operation as 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, estimates about five customer visits per day, lists two planned parking spaces and two full-time employees, and notes the required New Hampshire septage-hauler permit.

The approvals were procedural: the board found the submission complete, answered site-specific questions about parking and surfaces, and approved the plan and the new-tenant permit. Chair Victoria Ames told the applicant he would receive a notice of decision the following day.