Nahant Coast Guard station may rent 2nd floor

NAHANT – In the latest development with the Coast Guard station, the Board of Selectmen authorized an application to the Planning Board that, if approved, would allow the town to rent out the second floor space as an apartment or office. Chairman Rich Lombard called a special meeting to discuss the application with the Nahant Preservation Trust and the Nahant Veterans Association, who lease the building, and the neighbors of the Nahant Life Saving Station. The goal was to get the application approved so the trust can start the permitting process to change the zoning of the station and rent out the second floor, so proceeds from the tenant can pay for maintenance of the building.Vice Chairman Perry Barrasso applauded the groups involved. “It seems like you?ve done an excellent job of getting together and making compromises,” he said.According to trust member Jeffrey Musman, as part of the application process, the trust worked with neighbors and the veterans association to redefine some of the restrictions on the use of the building after a series of open forums. Most of the changes were made to limit the use of private parties renting the building for events. All private events will be restricted to 100 attendees with 40 parking spots on-site only, may have no amplified sound outside and must be over by 9 p.m.Town-wide and Nahant Veterans Association events such as those for commemorative holidays will have no restrictions for parking or the number for attendees, may have microphones outside and must be over by 10 p.m.More discussion will take place on how many cars require a parking attendant and whether the community events will require a police detail and portable bathrooms.After a lengthy discussion of what kind of signage will be allowed outside the property and its purpose, Selectman Michael Manning suggested Musman, an attorney, and Town Counsel Charles Riley review the language in the permit to make sure the town does not get caught up in Planning Board site plan reviews every time minor changes need to be made.Though the application was approved, if there are any recurring issues during review of the language, Lombard said he will call another special meeting to resolve it before the next board meeting on Aug. 20.?We?re going to approve it tonight so you can proceed immediately,” said Lombard. “If there?s a snag somewhere I will hold another meeting ? so you can get that tenant in there. This will help the Nahant Preservation Trust.”