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.