Panel approves special use permit for speech‑language clinic at 216 West Avenue

The Planning Board unanimously granted a special use permit for 216 West Avenue, allowing a new speech‑language pathology office in an existing commercial‑use building that was historically a photography studio.

Justin Grassi, attorney for the applicant, said the property has been purchased and that the proposed clinic would retain existing parking and largely reuse the existing facility. Board members focused questions on the driveway’s proximity to the intersection and recommended the applicant work with DPW/Traffic if the driveway is relocated during a later site‑plan or repaving stage. The applicant told the board relocating the driveway is not financially feasible now and that any future change could be handled during a later site plan review.

The board also asked the applicant to coordinate the placement of a proposed street tree so it would not conflict with signage or visibility; the applicant agreed to submit the tree placement as an administrative item for chair review. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers.

The board’s motion to approve carried unanimously; staff will add a condition that tree placement and any future site‑plan driveway changes require administrative review or DPW approval before building permits are issued.