Selectboard Continues Bend Street Dealer License Hearing, Demands Completed Work First

BELLINGHAM -- June 2, 2025, Bellingham Selectboard unanimously continues commercial vehicle upfitter dealer license hearing, citing incomplete stormwater work and unresolved neighbor complaints. The board voted 5-0 Monday to continue the public hearing on a Class 1 dealer license application by Cranes 101 Incorporated at 57 Bend Street, where owner Jay Stern seeks to operate a bucket-truck upfitting business. Neighbors from Bend Street and Northeast Drive testified about 20-plus years of unfulfilled promises, a property-line encroachment, noise from the rear metal building, and disputed vehicle counts that they say exceed what the applicant has reported. Building Inspector Tim Icardi and Town Engineer Rob Lucier told the board that Planning Board-required stormwater and fencing improvements have begun but are not yet complete or inspected. "There are way too many questions," said member Michael Hennessy. "I need to see a plan." The board directed Stern to complete all improvements, obtain inspector sign-off, and submit a detailed written operating narrative, including hours, vehicle counts, and delivery procedures, before the matter returns, with the August meeting cited as the earliest target. In the same session, the board unanimously appointed James Dixon to a full regular seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals, elevating him from a two-year associate membership.