Members of the Berlin Planning Commission reviewed a revised concept plan for a commercial building at the Berlin Commons last week, and had no objections to proposed changes.
A map shows the proposed site plan for a redevelopment project at the Berlin Commons at the corner of Gay and Jefferson streets in Berlin.
Rendering by Sea Studio/Bayside Gazette
By Charlene Sharpe, Associate Editor
Members of the Berlin planning commission reviewed a revised concept plan for a commercial building at the Berlin Commons last week.
The area is a donations-based community green space for outdoor dining and special events in the heart of downtown on Jefferson Street. Owners Brett and Megan Hines, who own The Buzz Meadery, proposed plans for a permanent food service facility on the property, which planning commissioners discussed last week.
The commissioners did not express any major objections to the latest version of the plans, which have reduced the size of the proposed building from three stories to one, but left leeway within the construction to make future expansion feasible.
“I prefer this design to the three-story design,” commission member Matt Stoehr said. “It brings more of the commercial element to the area.”
Commission member Erich Pfeffer, the architect working on the Berlin Commons project, recused himself last week to present the revised concept plan. He said the building was similar to a plan presented last summer, aside from the fact it had been scaled back in size. He noted that the project would still need approval from the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals, as it will need reduced setbacks from what is required.
When asked about the purpose of the building, Pfeffer said it would be comparable to a tasting room. He said it would be a space where patrons could taste The Buzz Meadery’s products while getting a glimpse of the brewing process.
“That is the intent, to have it be visible to the public on some level,” he said.
A resident questioned the rainwater tanks shown on the plan. Pfeffer said the tanks would collect rainwater to be used to water the site’s plantings and landscaping.
“We’re trying our best to eliminate a big impervious footprint on this lot,” he said.
As proposed, the building would also feature rooftop gathering space for customers. Commission member Pete Cosby said noise could be a concern but complimented operations at the Berlin Commons so far.
“They seem to have done a good job holding on to the peace and quiet there,” he said.
While Wednesday’s review yielded no real criticism from the commission, the project will need to return for formal site plan approval and will need approval from the board of zoning appeals for the proposed reduction in setbacks.