Red Lobster Signs Approved; Gym Plans for Pearl Site Must Wait

Despite a lengthy meeting Thursday night, the Planning Board was not able to complete a hearing on a proposal to add a two-story, 30,000-square-foot gym to a building formerly occupied by Pearl Paint and Petsmart on Route 17.

Stephen Sinisi, representing Laganella Property Management, called a number of witnesses including an architect, a landscape architect, an engineer and traffic engineer to testify in support of the proposed fitness center.

Before the project can go forward, the planning board must grant several variances. But some nearby residents won’t make their decision easy.

At least 15 residents who live behind the existing building attended the meeting to voice their grievances about the proposal.

Although time ran out before the board opened the meeting to the public, residents spoke out during periods when questions were allowed, raising concerns about whether there was a sufficient buffer zone between their houses and the parking lot, as well as worries about noise and privacy violations that may accompany the gym.

As 10:30 p.m. approached, Sinisi said he still had one more witness to call, so the board adjourned the meeting and said it would continue the hearing at the next Planning Board meeting on Sept. 1.

Red Lobster’s application for exterior renovations and new signage faced fewer hurdles and was approved unanimously.