January 7, 2026, Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

The entire property is 3.71 acres and zoned B2, where retail uses are permitted. The proposal includes: © Reoccupying existing tenant space © No expansion of the building envelope The former greenhouse area (about 9,000 square feet) will be converted parking spaces. 19 new parking spaces will be added, complying with zoning requirements. Minor C variances and some existing nonconforming conditions will remain. Some site elements will be improved. Additional proposals include: o New trash enclosures © A screen wall near the loading area o Repairs or replacement of perimeter fencing o A concrete pad for refrigeration equipment behind the building A new storefront design will be installed. Initially planned only for Trader Joe’s space, but at the request of SPRAB, the design will extend across the entire building facade. Trader Joe’s signs will be placed on the south and west building elevations. Store Operations Planned store hours: 9:00 AM — 9:00 PM. Deliveries: © 2-3 per day © Limited to 7:00 AM — 9:30 PM due to nearby residential neighborhoods. Trash collection: ©. 5 times per week in the morning Recycling collection: © Twice per week in the morning Approvals the applicant seeks includes: © Preliminary and final major site plan approval oC variances © Soil removal permit © Tree removal permit © Submission waiver for a fire hydrant run card (already shown on utility plans) The application plans to present four expert witnesses: 1. Civil Engineer 2. Architect 3. Traffic Engineer 4. Professional Planner The civil engineer, Tung-To Lam, entered on the record; he was sworn under oath. His credentials were accepted by the board and testified to the following: Mr. Lam presented Exhibit A1, an aerial image dated January 7, 2026. The property at 457 Mount Pleasant Avenue is highlighted. Total site size: 3.71 acres. Zoning: B2 General Business District where retail is permitted. The former greenhouse structure was removed sometime between July and October of the previous year. The project involves reoccupying the former Metropolitan Plant Exchange and No Limit Martial Arts spaces. The size of the building remains the same. The former location of the greenhouse will be used for: © Parking