Hudson Planning Commission Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Hudson Planning Commission met on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7:31 PM. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a major site plan public hearing for a dental office, a conditional use public hearing for a gymnastics facility, and discussion of a proposed data center moratorium. Both public hearings resulted in unanimous approvals with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of June 22, 2026 Minutes: The minutes were approved as amended (correcting the spelling of Mr. Hannon's name) by a vote of 5-0. Mr. Innamorato made a motion, seconded by Ms. Obert.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public discussion period for non-hearing topics. No individuals with standing or general public commented on either public hearing.

Discussion Items

• Major Site Plan – Dental Office (PC 2026-435): The applicant, Leon Sampett (LS Architects) and Dr. Anthony Caruso, proposed a 5,000-square-foot dental office at the corner of Lawmark Drive and Norton Road (site of the former Double Play sports facility). Key discussion points included:

  • Parking: The applicant argued that the code's 20-space requirement for an office use was insufficient, citing American Dental Association guidelines recommending 1 space per 133 square feet (38 spaces) and the practice's 15 employees. They requested 31 spaces. Staff noted that if classified as a medical clinic (which includes dental offices), the requirement would be 1 per 100 sq ft (50 spaces). Chair Norman questioned whether extraordinary circumstances existed to exceed the office maximum. The applicant agreed to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals (BZBA) if needed.
  • Shared Driveway: The applicant stated there is no recorded easement for the existing gravel driveway serving properties to the north; they offered to remove it and infill the curb cut. The commission agreed, noting the northern properties have two other accesses to State Route 91.
  • Landscaping & Trees: The city arborist assessed 11 trees to be removed (most with signs of decay). The applicant agreed to provide street trees along Norton (cherry and maple, per arborist approval) and a 5-foot buffer yard along the north property line. Interior parking lot landscaping was also required.
  • Stormwater: A dry detention basin is proposed. The commission asked for a written justification for non-structural techniques and required a plat note for maintenance and ownership.
  • Design: The building's frontage faces Norton Road but the side is along Lawmark; no building siting standard exists for D9 district. Chair Norman suggested adding D9 orientation to the code revision list. The commission discussed reducing stone on the facade but did not require it, leaving details to the Architectural Board of Review.
  • Other: Sign relocation, engineering and fire department letter compliance, and consolidating drive entrances to one curb cut were required.

• Conditional Use – Flytz USA Gymnastics (PC 2026-780): The applicant, John King (owner), proposed operating a gymnastics training facility in an existing three-suite building at 5282 Hudson Drive (Suite A). The use is classified as a sports training facility (conditional use in District 8 – Industrial and Business Park). Key discussion:

  • Use Classification: Staff confirmed alignment with SIC code for gymnastics instruction. Chair Norman raised the district's purpose statement about serving employees, but staff noted the conditional use is allowed by code.
  • Conditions: Three staff recommendations were agreed to by building owner David Waxman: (1) screen existing dumpsters per code, (2) stripe additional parking spaces per figure in staff report, (3) consolidate two non-conforming parcels. Mr. Waxman stated 90 days was reasonable for completion.
  • Parking & Operations: No competitive meets will be held at this location. Drop-off/pickup zones were discussed but not mandated. The facility expects 300-350 students per week; most are dropped off.
  • Tenant Improvements: No structural changes; existing restrooms sufficient (one will be converted to women's).

Key Outcomes

• Dental Office Motion: Approved unanimously (5-0) with conditions enumerated by Chair Norman: (1) consolidate drive entrances and remove existing shared access drive; (2) revise landscaping to include buffer yard, street trees (cherry/maple subject to arborist approval), and interior parking lot landscaping; (3) reduce parking by 11 spaces or obtain variance from BZBA; (4) relocate sign to private property; (5) address engineering and fire department review letters; (6) add plat note for retention pond maintenance and responsibility.

• Flytz USA Gymnastics Motion: Approved unanimously (5-0) with conditions: (1) screen existing dumpsters per Section 1207.04(M); (2) stripe additional parking spaces per staff figure; (3) consolidate lot parcels – all to be completed within 90 days. The applicant may occupy subject to substantial compliance by the building owner.

Other Business

• Data Center Moratorium: Staff announced a proposed 6-month moratorium on data centers (to be voted by City Council on July 14). The commission discussed that current code likely prohibits data centers as they are not listed uses; Chair Norman provided a detailed analysis of applicable code sections (e.g., light industrial definition does not fit). Members expressed support for the moratorium as a proactive measure, and staff will review the APA's zoning practice brief on data centers.
• Clinton Crossing: A joint council/commission session will be held on August 10. The next public engagement event is July 22 (5-8 PM) at the site, where three concept plans will be presented; free ice cream will be provided.
• Schedule: The regular August 10 meeting is replaced by the joint session; the next regular meeting is August 24.
• Plan Development Subcommittee: Meeting on Thursday, July 16.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:19 PM on a motion by Mr. Nystrom, seconded by Ms. Obert.