The Johnston Planning Board approved a proposal from Johnston Asphalt, LLC during its February 4 meeting, granting additional approvals that were continued from the board’s January session.
Attorney Andrew Teitz, representing Johnston Asphalt, reiterated the key aspects of the petition before the board.
"Last month, we had a fairly extensive hearing with several expert witnesses, reviewed everything, and answered questions," said Teitz, who noted that several board members had expressed a desire to visit the site before deciding, which led to the matter being continued.
The petitioner requested three approvals: a planning board advisory opinion to the zoning board, a waiver of site plan review, and a recommendation to the building inspector regarding compliance with industrial performance standards. Teitz explained that the advisory opinion was part of a Superior Court remand, ensuring the project met general standards for special permits.
Johnston Asphalt sought approval for two storage silos to streamline operations.
"The silos are essentially like a display case in a bakery," Teitz said. "We can prepare materials ahead of time so customers don’t have to wait for a fresh batch."
Teitz argued that the addition would improve efficiency without significantly altering the site. Additionally, the company requested a waiver of a site plan review, as the silos met zoning requirements and did not exceed size limitations.
"These aren’t major changes—just two silos that conform to all requirements," Teitz emphasized. He added that the installation might reduce truck congestion, as drivers would no longer need to idle while waiting for materials.
The board also considered the project’s compliance with industrial performance standards. Teitz requested that the board recommend approval to the building inspector, ensuring a streamlined process.
When the meeting opened for public comment, no community members spoke on the proposal. Planning Board member Robert Pingitore, who has long been involved in the asphalt paving business, voiced support.
"This is bringing [this business] up to standard with what everyone else has," Pingitore stated. "Silos like these improve efficiency and traffic flow, reducing the number of trucks idling and waiting for batches."
With no opposition presented, the Planning Board unanimously granted the requested approvals in three separate motions, allowing Johnston Asphalt to move forward to the next step with its project.
In other matters, a proposal to address a solar farm, Forest Drive Solar, was continued to the March 4 meeting.
Town Planner Thomas Deller also addressed the board in regards to the town’s affordable housing plan. He stated that the town’s affordable housing plan needed to be updated in the town’s comprehensive plan to comply with regulations. He presented to each member of the board a packet with plan details for review.
Deller stated that the town is looking to be in compliance with recent state law changes that mandate at least 10 percent of a municipality's housing stock be designated as affordable for low and moderate income households to promote equitable housing opportunities.
“We are looking at our compliance with the 10 percent law,” said Deller. “We’ve only added about 50 units since 2004. Under the present regulation we’re required to have abut 1,270 affordable units and there are only about 980 to 990, somewhere in that realm.”
Deller said he would like to have a comprehensive draft available for the next month’s meeting to review with the board once they have time to review the provided documentation.
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