Greenfield’s Planning Board will require at least one more meeting to decide the fate of Allrose Farm and its ability to host weddings.
The board deliberated for two and a half hours on Monday in the third consecutive meeting regarding Allrose Farm’s site plan. The board elected to continue a decision once more, as more information is needed from the town’s code enforcement officer, Mike Borden.
“I think that he is all right with the project, but I want something in writing so it can be put into the record,” said Chair Paul Renaud. “We could approve something tonight, but it would have to be conditional.”
Additionally, the board wants to hear from the town’s road agent, and create a recording and tracking sheet, so the town can track the events occurring at the venue. The board will reconvene on June 27, and hopes to approve or deny all waivers and the site plan at that time.
Police Chief Brian Giammarino came to the meeting to speak to public safety concerns associated with hosting weddings and other events at the venue. Giammarino encouraged owner Michele Perron to direct as much traffic toward New Boston Road as possible, as the Route 31 intersection is more dangerous from a traffic perspective.
“I understand that someone coming from Keene won’t go that way, but it would be nice to have as many people as possible go that way,” said Giammarino.
Giammarino said the police department should be able to handle any drinking and driving situations that may occur. Giammarino said he would work with Perron to try to have police come to the venue before someone leaves, should someone drinking get out of control.
“Drinking is too hypothetical to be an issue,” said Giammarino. “We have had other weddings and events in town and it wasn’t ever really an issue.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com.