Karen Haitos

The Planning Commission discussed and recommended approval for a zoning variance to operate an indoor golf simulator at 718 Poplar Street, contingent upon limitations on additional recreational equipment. Regarding subdivisions and land development, the Commission addressed multiple projects including the Lebanon Rescue Mission, where various waivers were requested and partially granted; the Washington Street Townhomes project; and the 725 N. 1st St. development, which received conditional approval. Additionally, the commission reviewed plans for the Lebanon Transit Authority's new facility and discussed demolition and reconstruction plans for 1041 Maple St. The meeting also addressed board member resignations and changes to board eligibility.

The Planning Commission discussed various subdivision and land development projects, including updates on the Lebanon Rescue Mission, Washington Street Townhomes, 725 N. 1st St., and Lebanon Transit Authority facility plans. Additionally, the commission reviewed the reconstruction project at 1041 Maple St. and received a status report from the Land Bank regarding potential partnerships for economic development.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several key items under New Business and Old Business. Discussions included Zoning Variance Recommendations and Subdivisions & Land Development matters. Specific old business items reviewed were the Lebanon Rescue Mission plan, which has an extension expiring on March 9, 2026, the Washington Street Townhomes project involving the demolition of current structures to construct four townhomes, and the 725 N. 1st St. property requiring additional time to address driveway and street access plans, also under an extension expiring March 9, 2026. Under review items, the Lebanon Transit Authority project, conditionally approved in November 2025, had its solicitor review completed, with comments forwarded for finalization. Additionally, the Commission reviewed plans for the demolition and reconstruction of the site building at 1041 Maple St. (Hutter's), including the installation of a new pump station and removal of tanks from the flood plain. No new updates were reported for the Land Bank Report.

The Planning Commission addressed several key items, including a zoning variance recommendation for 1507 Willow St. regarding a proposed slaughterhouse use by Bello Farms. The Commission recommended non-approval because no hardship was demonstrated. Major discussion involved the Lebanon Transit Authority (LTA) SALDO project updates, including completed permitting and conditional plan approval contingent upon SESI recommendations. Several waiver requests for the LTA project were approved, relating to financial security, plan size, SW Basin requirements, and combining preliminary/final plans. Old business included extensions granted for the Lebanon Rescue Mission, Lebanon Transit Authority facility plans, Washington Street Townhomes, and the 725 N. 1st St. project, all extended to January 7, 2026. Review items included plans for Quartz Creek Holdings, LLC at 900 Maple Street and the demolition/reconstruction at 1041 Maple St. Hutter's.

The Planning Commission meeting involved reviewing and making recommendations on zoning variance petitions. Petition #15-2025 requested a dimensional variance for the Church of God (River of Life) property at 733 Hill St. to adjust a property line, which the Commission recommended for APPROVAL with adherence to the Zoning Officer's guidance. Petition #16-2025 requested a dimensional variance for New Vision Holdings LLC (Curaleaf) to allow relocation to 801 Cumberland St. despite violating the 1,000 ft setback requirement from a daycare; the Commission recommended DENIAL due to the hardship being self-created. In Old Business, 90-day extensions were approved for the Lebanon Rescue Mission project (new expiration March 9, 2026), the Lebanon Transit Authority project, the Washington Street Townhomes project (new expiration March 9, 2026), and the 725 N. 1st St. project (new expiration March 9, 2026). Review items included a variance request for Quartz Creek Holdings, LLC at 900 Maple Street and plans for demolition and reconstruction at 1041 Maple St. The Land Bank report indicated ongoing acquisition of properties on 9th St. and 7th Street for future single-family dwellings.