Hinesburg DRB talks bed and breakfasts, traffic, and construction

By Gail Callahan

Leslie Morrissey encountered no blips as she sought and received approval from the Hinesburg Development Review Board (DRB) Tuesday, March 17 for a conditional-use permit to create a single-unit Bed and Breakfast in an accessory structure on her Swamp Road property. Such a building must be on the same site or use to which it will be an accessory. The parcel is located in the Rural Residential 2 Zoning district.

During the meeting, Morrissey told board members she wants to establish an Air B & B to avoid paying property taxes. Air B & B is an internet a site that advertises bed and breakfasts at a reduced cost.

After listening to Morrissey’s plans, DRB member Greg Waples asked her if the application required additional health permits from the State of Vermont and Morrissey admitted she wasn’t certain if she needed additional approval from the state. Hinesburg Zoning Administrator Peter Erb said the town informs applicants to check to see if any state permits are necessary. He added that Morrissey’s request didn’t require any state approval.

In an email on Tuesday, March 24, Vermont Dept. of Health’s Food and Lodging Program Chief Elizabeth Wirding said her agency doesn’t know specifics of Morrissey’s plans, but added she “encourages people to contact the Health Dept. to review plans and evaluate licensing.” The Health Dept. is charged with licensing businesses that provide overnight lodging and meals to travelers and the homeless.

Anup and Meena Dam:

The Dams are asking the DRB to approve a revision to a previously approved subdivision final plat. The plan has undergone three hearings: one in October, another in December, and one in February. The Dams are seeking permission to modify conditions of the permit and a lot line that received the go ahead from the DRB for a seven-lot subdivision. The hearing will resume during the June 2 DRB meeting.

Hinesburg Center, LLC/Phase II:

Hinesburg Center developer Brett Grabowski is a step closer to adding a commercial tenant for the building at 52 Farmall Drive. Grabowski sought and received approval for a conditional-use permit for a commercial space area larger than 1,000-square feet.

Grabowski told board members the potential tenant is a physical-therapy business that encompasses a small retail gym element. Grabowski showed DRB members floor plans, noted there is sufficient parking at the site, and informed them about hours of operation. The business plans on operating Monday-Friday, 6am-8am; Saturday, 7am- 5pm, and Sunday, 8am.-2pm. Three to four employees are expected to work at the company. Grabowski noted he plans on returning to the DRB to ask for approval for a sign that would sit on Vermont 116.

The only blip during the hearing occurred when Erb asked the DRB for “discretion” to approve small changes that don’t create revisions, triggering the need for a formal review before the board. DRB member Ted Bloomhardt didn’t completely embrace Erb’s suggestion, noting other components of the development, such as parking, could be impacted.