The Berlin Town Council has recently adopted Worcester County’s design guidelines and standards for commercial properties, addressing the need for immediate direction in the absence of a town-specific document. This decision, authorized unanimously by the council, was made with the intention of providing a temporary framework for developers until a planning director can be appointed to create a tailored guideline for Berlin.
Town Administrator Mary Bohlen emphasized that these standards from Worcester County would serve as a crucial interim solution, particularly given that Berlin has historically lacked comprehensive design guidelines. The planning commission had faced challenges earlier this year with proposed projects, such as the Microtel Inn and Suites and a Wawa convenience store, which lacked the required aesthetic alignment with the town’s vision. Developers expressed frustration due to the absence of a clear roadmap for their designs.
The recent meeting of the planning commission highlighted the urgency behind adopting these broader standards to mitigate conflicts and streamline project approvals. With pending hires for a new planning director—vacant since April due to the passing of the former director—the council acknowledged that the reliance on Worcester County’s guidelines may extend longer than initially anticipated. This is necessary to enable a thorough review and creation of a Berlin-specific design framework once the new planning director is in place.
Council members, while discussing the potential limitations of the adopted guidelines, understood that they would significantly improve the current situation. This measure allows the planning and historic district commissions the authority to grant design waivers when necessary, fostering a more structured and less subjective review process of upcoming commercial developments. The unanimous vote to implement these guidelines aims to facilitate orderly commercial development, ensuring it aligns with the town’s long-term vision, pending the future development of bespoke standards.
In summary, Berlin’s Town Council has adopted Worcester County’s design guidelines as an interim solution to address the lack of specific design standards for commercial projects. This measure is vital given recent conflicts between developers and the planning commission and is expected to provide necessary guidance until a new planning director can formalize a tailored document. Although some council members raised concerns over the robustness of these guidelines, the adopted framework is seen as a positive step toward structured commercial development in Berlin.
