SAUGUS — The vote on the liquor store being built at 206 Lincoln Ave., the site of the old Amato’s Liquors, continues to stall as the Zoning Board of Appeals looks for more specific plans to help them deliberate and make a decision.
One concern that was addressed is the drainage issue. There was some uncertainty about whether the right choice was a dry well or a permeable surface, given the presence of a wetland in the area.
Bruce Jaffin, the general contractor for the project, said, “We had our engineer do a study, and the new plan does include two dry wells in the parking area… and the size is sufficient to handle whatever flood storm is required by code.”
Board member Stacey Herman-Dorant asked about the asphalt, and Jaffin said that the engineer confirmed that only one option was necessary.
With this issue handled, the Board returned to the one that has been stalling discussions for multiple meetings: the dumpster.
Due to concerns from neighbors, the buffer has been relocated multiple times around the parking lot to find the best spot for everyone; however, it continued to be moved during this meeting. It seems the Board and the petitioner have come to an agreement, though.
The petitioner chose a smaller dumpster that could be tucked into the back of the lot and wheeled out. It was noted that this would be too close to the neighbor on the other side.
Board member Chris Riley was very vocal about his concerns for the neighbor.
“Earlier, it was on the other side of the building a couple of months ago. The neighbors didn’t want it there, (and) I fully understand that. It was pushed over to the other side. The trouble for me is a few things. There’s a neighbor on that side. That’s an occupied home,” he said.
Riley noted that he understands the trash will mostly be packaging, plastic, and cardboard, but that food could still be thrown out there, leading to a rodent issue that could affect the neighbors.
“This (plan) goes forever. Here and now, we might not intend to put food in there, but one day, this place will be gone. The business will be gone, and (the new one) will have the right to have a dumpster there to throw whatever you want to throw into a dumpster,” he said.
Board member Frank Federico said it was difficult to make any decision without complete plans, but he did have an idea for the dumpster location that worked out.
The dumpster could be located by a set of basement stairs, farther away from neighbors, and the dumpster would just be wheeled out on trash day, something the Board and the petitioner could agree on.
Discussions continued on whether there should be a single curb cut or two curb cuts, a section that allows cars to smoothly transition between a sidewalk and a street. However, this decision must be made by the Department of Public Works.
A resident also asked that the petitioner ask the Town about a pipe system underground, which, if clogged, could cause flooding.
A motion was made to continue the hearing, as multiple Board members believed no decision could be made due to the plans not being completed and because the Board did not see the plans until that night. It was a unanimous 5-0 vote to continue.
A tentative date for the continuation is Nov. 20.
