Planning board tables reuse plan for former brewery; requests clearer site plan, parking and restroom info

Brie (Bri) Burns, who said she and her husband lease the former brewery property, presented plans to use the site for limited catered events and pop-ups but told the board that a new code requirement prompted questions about restroom plumbing.

The most important point: Board members said they were supportive of activating the property but repeatedly asked for precise documentation — a hand-drawn site sketch showing parking dimensions and turnout, confirmation of subsurface disposal and plumbing status, and clarity on how the new restroom requirement affects the operation. The board tabled the application until that information is provided.

What was proposed: Burns said she holds a long-term lease on the property and is exploring options from nonprofit-run events to catered functions, noting some flexibility (no on-site cooking for some licensing paths). Board members clarified that some event forms may be accommodated under short-term or nonprofit exemptions, but the new code language requires permanent restroom facilities for certain food-service uses.

Board concerns and guidance: The board emphasized parking and traffic safety (avoid backing onto the road), possible limits on event size tied to available off-street parking (applicant noted roughly 25 spaces as a working figure for summer use), and the need to document whether existing gravel and driveway arrangements can meet safe ingress/egress. Staff asked for clearer site diagrams and documentation for the town record before the board will vote.

Outcome: The board moved and voted to table the application and requested the applicant submit the requested site and technical information for action at the next meeting.