ERB urges caution on fast‑tracking Amy's Kitchen reapproval amid changed traffic and master‑plan context
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Summary
Amy's Kitchen seeks reapproval of a previously approved site plan (original approval allowed up to ~300,000 sq ft of food‑processing/assembly). ERB members said traffic, sewer and master‑plan changes warrant fresh review and documentation before rubber‑stamping prior approvals.
Board members revisited Amy's Kitchen and Science of the Soul site‑plan status. Speaker 1 said Amy's Kitchen previously obtained approval for food processing up to about 300,000 square feet but that the approval is expiring and the applicant seeks reapproval to preserve sale value. "They were approved to do, to make food there, and it's up to, like, 300,000 square feet," Speaker 1 said.
ERB members agreed the prior approval included traffic mitigation (one member noted Amy's funded intersection improvements such as a dedicated turn lane and signal timing on River Road). Still, speakers said traffic patterns have changed substantially since the original approval. Speaker 2 argued the town’s updated master plan is pending and that approving a large project before master‑plan outcomes could be premature.
The ERB recommended that planning confirm whether uses have materially changed and requested updated traffic, sewer and water assessments if the board is to affirm the earlier approvals. Members noted typical site plan approvals allow 18 months for building permits (plus extensions) and questioned whether an applicant should seek reapproval without updated environmental documentation.
Next steps: ERB will forward its concerns to planning and expects applicant‑provided or independent analyses to substantiate claims about traffic, water and the scope of allowable future uses before recommending reapproval.