Greenville votes to loosen Beech Street setback, reject car wash zone

GREENVILLE — Greenville residents approved an adjustment to the setback on the water side of Beech Street and voted down some conditional businesses in a portion of the downtown during a special town meeting on Sept. 16.

Setback rules for Beech Street properties along the stream have been adjusted. The setback from the water is now 75 feet instead of 100 feet, enabling easier construction on something such as a garage. 

A proposal permitting car washes in Downtown District 2, pending approval by the Planning Board, was voted down.

The Beech Street property adjustment passed via a vote of 18-13. A proposal to go to a written ballot was turned down by an 18-11 count.

Code Enforcement Officer Tim Post had received inquiries from a couple about opening a car wash in Downtown District 2 along Route 15. The proposal would have allowed the Planning Board to approve car wash requests on a case-by-case basis. 

“The one requirement is that it’s connected to town sewer so it can be treated,” Post said.

The warrant article was voted down 17-13 by written ballot.