NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A Ramunto's Brick Oven Pizza is planned to open in the former Appalachian Bean on Main Street.

 

The Planning Board granted Kenneth Buchanan a special permit Monday to operate a pizzeria at 67 Main St.

 

"We are looking to put a pizzeria in that space with a small, 14-seat bar," Buchanan said. "Beer, wine and delivery."

 

Buchanan said his hours will be 11 to 11 seven days a week and they are completely renovating the interior of the building.

 

"The inside is completely being renovated and we are talking right now about the store front just because everything needs to be updated," he said.

 

Ramunto’s has locations throughout Vermont and New Hampshire and the North Adams location will mark their first business venture in Massachusetts.

 

Administrative Officer Michael Canales also addressed the Planning Board and answered questions about a solar ordinance discussed at a prior meeting.

 

The Planning Board recommended that the ordinance contained farmland protection, a restricted height of 12 feet, zoning restrictions, and a method of enforcement for sight lines. 

 

Chairman Michael Leary said he had no issue with asking for three sight lines in a plan, however, noted that the recent Reservoir Road solar project did not follow the sight lines as presented.

 

"It is one thing to present to the board that this is what it is going to look like from the Mohawk Trail, which is what we specifically asked for," Leary said. "It showed very minimal impact and then I am hearing from people all over the place that it is obvious that it is up there."

 

The Planning Board asked that the Reservoir Road solar project affiliates come before the board to explain why they did not follow the plan.

 

Canales said he would create notes outlining these requests for the upcoming joint City Council and Planning Board public hearing scheduled for Oct. 25.

 

The Planning Board also granted a special permit to Kenneth and Kristi Cooper for a change of use of 33 Main St.

 

The Cooper’s plan to operate a photography/digital arts studio and retail sales space in the former Common Folk artist’s collective gallery and gathering space.

 

"We are looking to open up a photography and retail space. We also do digital arts," Kristi said. "The retail will be related items to photography. We also do put photos on slate and t-shirts." 

 

The Planning Board also approved the application of Lindsay Cermak who requested a special permit to change of business owner to operate the veterinary hospital on the Curran Highway.

 

The former owner of the North County Veterinary Hospital John Reynolds stepped down and sold the business to employee Cermak.

 

The Planning Board approved new signage for UNIQ VAPE at 420 Curran Highway and limited the store to one outside flag to be taken down in the winter.

 

"I think four flags is excessive I understand you want visibility but you are asking for signage in every window," Leary said. "I don’t know how people would be unable able to not see you." 

 

Also, the Planning Board reviewed and approved sign proposals for Greylock Works and Bella Roma Pizza.