BERLIN— The Berlin Planning
Commission approved requests for plans for a new commercial structure, the
subdivision of a lot on Branch Street and a boundary adjustment on South Main
Street at its Sept. 11 meeting.

At the first meeting with new
Planning Director David Engelhart, South Moon Under received the commission’s preliminary
approval to demolish its building at 619 Franklin Ave., near Railroad Avenue,
and replace it with a new warehouse, Engelhart said.

The property is currently zoned
as residential, so the town commissioners advised the property owner bear in
mind nearby residences when placing bright security lighting. They also want
the owner to ensure the plan includes a way to mitigate dust from the parking
lot that could drift into nearby homes.

Business owner Ernest Girardi proposed
a plan to subdivide land he owns at 122 Branch St. into two parcels, allowing
for a second house to be built on the second lot. The commission approved the
plan and it is now awaiting final approval from Worcester County, Engelhart
said.

The Berlin commission also approved
by a vote of 5-1 (Commissioner Pete Cosby opposed) a request by the owner of 523
and 525 S. Main St. to adjust boundary lines at the site. A residence, garage
and the former Boomer’s Restaurant spans the three lots at the site, Engelhart said.

With the property line adjustment, the owner hopes to remove one lot so
the residence and garage would be on one lot and the commercial structure would
be on the other, he said.