TOPSHAM

Lighting and buffers concern neighbors of a proposed parking lot expansion.

The Planning Board heard those concerns Tuesday during a public hearing on siteplan and conditional-use applications submitted by Dale Crafts of Crafts Self Storage Inc., 7 Center Park Road.

Town Planner Rich Roedner said citizens who own property or live across from the area asked about site lighting and what kind of buffer would be between the car lot and their homes.

The board tabled review of the applications. Crafts has proposed clearing an area in front of the proposed lot as part of the expansion.

The board also tabled an application by Priority Group LLC to amend the lighting plan at Rusty’s Middlesex Market, 38 Middlesex Road.

Roedner said the store with fuel pumps is in a residential district where code does not allow internally illuminated signs. Roedner said the board asked the town attorney to look into whether or not it can grant a waiver.

The board also tabled a request by Smith Farm Condominium to add five years to complete construction of four condos on Hannah Drive.

Roedner said an attorney argues the developer has until November 2013 to finish, so the board can’t yet grant an extension.

The board also held a workshop on new sign ordinance rules approved at 2012 town meeting that led to 52 business owners being notified they must remove signs by July 15 to comply. The board held a meeting about the ordinance in August.