Commission OKs conversion of former deli to HVAC office at 277 North Main

The Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission on June 23 voted to approve a special permit allowing Ash Heating and Cooling to convert an existing deli at 277 North Main Street into office and storage space for an HVAC business (PCC 25‑11).

Applicant Erica Ash requested conversion under the town’s regulation described in the public notice as "section 4 15 dash 17 c 4," to change one nonconforming use to another. The applicant told the commission there will be no exterior changes to the building, no expanded signage beyond what already exists, and no outside neon lighting. The commission determined a separate site plan was not required because the use will occupy the existing building footprint and the application met the special‑permit standards.

Commissioners reviewed legal notice and mailing certificates and confirmed the record showed required notifications were sent. The motion to approve incorporated standard findings that the application is consistent with the town plan of conservation and development and with the commission’s special permit criteria; the permit was approved unanimously.

The applicant and commissioners noted that some zoning map changes in the meeting packet are being considered elsewhere on the agenda; staff confirmed certificates of mailing and that the application was properly noticed for public hearing.