LAPEL — A local business owner’s plans to open a new crematorium are getting a second look by the Lapel Planning Board.
The town’s planning board met recently to discuss the proposal and other planning issues during a regularly scheduled meeting.
Mike Keller from Keller Mortuary, 801 Main St., presented a change in location for his proposed crematorium.
Keller sought approval from the board to locate a crematorium in a building on State Road 13, while he would continue to operate his mortuary from the current location he rents on Main Street.
Keller hoped his idea would ease concerns the board and some local business owners expressed about a crematorium on Main Street, especially regarding possible odors and the proximity to restaurants.
Keller said operating a crematorium on State Road 13 would provide better parking and access for drop-offs.
Keller also has investigated a taller smoke stack for the new location and creating a decorative finish so the building would look nicer.
He said the building at the new proposed site would require only internal modifications.
Planning board members said they appreciated the change in location but wanted time to discuss the change. They have scheduled a special meeting at 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Aug. 23, to discuss the issue.
Permits required
The planning board also said it wants to start fining residents who pursue construction projects, such as fences, without the necessary permits.
A fine would allow the board to charge up to three times the cost of the building permit, which is $35, meaning people who do not get a fence permit could be fined up to $105.
Town leaders said they also plan to crack down on people who get low-cost permits, such as a fence permit, but end up doing other work not detailed under the permit.
Counting chickens
On another note from the meeting, Chris Hobbs, Lapel utility manager, wanted to know for certain exactly how many chickens are allowed on a property.
Trefin Luker, planning board member, stated residents are allowed to have six chickens on their property, but no roosters.
