Berlin Planning Board Approves Two ANR Plans, Sets Zoning Hearing for Oct. 28

BERLIN — October 14, 2025 — Berlin Planning Board approves two ANR subdivision plans and sets October 28 hearing on drive-through zoning. The board voted unanimously at its October 14 remote meeting to approve four lots on Randall Road from a plan by Dillis and Roy Civil Design Group, and a single house lot on River Road West from Cornerstone Engineering, with an ANR fee of $250. A public hearing on a proposed zoning bylaw amendment that would allow drive-throughs at Solomon Pond Mall and Highland Commons was confirmed for October 28 at 8 p.m., after a scheduling mix-up led members to believe the hearing was scheduled for that same night. Board member Timothy Wheeler said town counsel reviewed the board's preferred approach — modifying the definition of "regional shopping center" in existing zoning — and found it "a little cleaner" than a parallel citizens petition that targets the village overlay district instead. The change requires a two-thirds vote at fall special town meeting, which is expected to carry at least 11 articles, with a new Ohio-based ownership group anticipated to close on the mall property in November.