The Temple ZBA must identify a new traffic expert for their independent investigation of the proposed expansion of Ben’s Maple Products LLC into a 16,080-square-foot building proposed for the corner of Route 101 and Webster Highway. The Board opted to hire their own real estate and traffic consultant after deeming the applicant’s expert testimony insufficient on March 2. The applicants found the Board’s proposed real estate firm acceptable, but not their traffic expert, ZBA Chair John Kieley said after the proposal’s continued hearing on Tuesday night. The ZBA expects to identify a different expert in two weeks, he said. The ZBA is working “expeditiously” to move the process forward in “a thorough, yet time effective manner,” he said. The proposal was originally pitched in September 2020 and Zoning Board members have drawn criticism from the project’s supporters, who believe the project is being drawn out too long.
Kieley said he, as a Board member, “couldn’t speculate” on some residents’ claims that it would be fairer to reject the proposal outright rather than continue the vetting process.
Applicant Ben Fisk has said he plans to construct the building under agricultural zoning provisions if the current application is rejected, the only difference being what products the building would be allowed to stock.