Hamilton Planning Board approves farm greenhouses, continues senior housing debate

HAMILTON -- January 4, 2022, Hamilton Planning Board unanimously approves greenhouse farm operation, extends senior housing fight to January 25. The board approved a site plan for Iron Ox Farm LLC at 656 Asbury Street, allowing Stacy Apple and Alex Cecchini to install two unheated high tunnels and one propane-heated greenhouse on land leased from Essex County Greenbelt, with a self-serve farm stand and CSA service for roughly 70 families weekly. Attorney Jill Mann presented a revised layout for Tobacco Hill Capital Partners LLC's proposed 50-unit senior housing development at 133 Essex Street, highlighting a newly created 250-foot visual buffer from Chewbacca Road and a reduction in impervious surfaces to under six acres. Board member Amol Dalquist pressed the team on whether alternative building configurations had been considered for the ecologically sensitive, ledge-covered site, while member Richard Boroff called the questioning "too much micromanagement." Environmental consultant Elizabeth Ransom urged the board to require a detailed cut-and-fill analysis before evaluating stormwater impacts, and an abutter identified only as Robert expressed concern that construction could disrupt a stream and pond on his adjacent property at lots 126 and 127 on Chewbacca Road. Chair Rick Mitchell said the January 25 session will focus on the blasting plan and geohydrology.