By Greg Ellison

(Dec. 16, 2021) Berlin Planning Commission members held a concept review for Florida-based Decks & Docks Lumber Company to develop a one-acre lot on Franklin Avenue last Wednesday.

Regional Manager Brian Basye said Decks & Docks are a leading supplier in the marine construction and decking industry.

“We are the leaders in the areas that we operate,” he said.

Basye said Decks & Docks, which launched in 1991 in St. Petersburg, Florida, supplies contractors and homeowners with building materials for outdoor enhancements.

“It would not be a large retail center,” he said. “It’s a very specific type of contractor we’re working with.”

Decks & Docks marketing is not aimed at retailing building materials for new construction.

“We’re a supplier who would work with contractors in this area,” he said. “The property would be an ideal lumber yard.”

Since current ownership took over Decks & Docks in 2005 the outfit has expanded to 20 locations in seven eastern seaboard states.

Basye estimated decks and railings account for 36 percent of sales, with lumber totaling 25 percent followed by pilings at 15 percent and seawall at 11 percent.

Basye said the Franklin Avenue property is currently underutilized.

“We could do more with it,” he said.

Basye also said fencing would be required to keep materials stored outside secure.

Unlike typical building material supplies, the majority of lumber stocked is treated, so outdoor storage would not require overhead covering.

Basye said access would be required for a 15-foot right of way to gain side road access from Franklin Avenue for loading needs.

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the internal road right of way is shared with an adjacent property and is not town-owned.

Basye said site plans have not yet been developed but would ideally commence following the concept review.

“We’re not sure what you need to see,” he said.

Basye said the site is less expansive than other Decks & Docks locations but would provide sufficient space for operations.

“It’s small for us but we could make it work,” he said.

Engelhart said after discussing a number of available parcels with Basye, the Franklin Avenue spot was deemed ideal due to being zoned B-3 light industrial.

“We looked at other spots when Brian first came in two months ago,” he said.

Commission member George Austin Purnell echoed the overall support for the project.

“It would be nice to have a functioning business back there,” he said.