In a recent meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, a special permit application was presented for accessory parking in a residential district, specifically for a vacant parcel adjacent to an Enterprise Rent-A-Car location. The application seeks to establish 99 parking spaces, a reduction from a previously proposed 144 spaces, which were intended for vehicle sales. The current proposal aims to serve customers of the Enterprise business and facilitate the storage of rental cars.

The applicant's representative, Brian, outlined the history of the property, noting its transition from a mixed-use zone to a single residence district following a rezoning effort that took place between 2020 and 2021. This change has significant implications for the current application, as it allows for parking within 100 feet of Route 1, a restriction that previously hindered development plans.

Brian emphasized that the application is distinct from earlier proposals, addressing community concerns regarding the potential for \"bait and switch\" tactics. He clarified that the vacant parcel was not included in earlier site plans due to ongoing negotiations for its purchase, which ultimately did not materialize. The current application is framed as a response to the new zoning regulations, rather than an attempt to circumvent previous decisions.

Community members expressed concerns about the loss of green space associated with the development. Brian acknowledged that any development would result in some loss of trees but argued that the current plan preserves more green space than previous proposals would have allowed. He noted that the new configuration of parking spaces, now shifted closer to Route 1, enables greater preservation of the forested area adjacent to the residential neighborhood.

The board encouraged public participation, inviting interested individuals to voice their opinions during the hearing. Plans related to the application are available for review at the Zoning Board of Appeals office, with further inquiries directed to the community development email. The outcome of this application could set a precedent for future developments in the area, balancing commercial needs with residential concerns.