MONROE, CT —Northeast Laser opened at 246 Main St. in Monroe over 25 years ago, and has since merged with another company to become Biomerics NLE. Now the thriving company plans to expand within its building, after Warehouse Wine & Spirits moves into Century Plaza, leaving 6,900-square-feet of space.
“It’s another opportunity for a business born and bred in Monroe to expand, yet again in Monroe, and continue to be a significant employer,” David Bjorklund, an engineer with Spath-Bjorklund Associates, told the Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 17. “This is about as simple as it gets, except for the nonconforming aspect of the manufacturing in a business zone.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission closed the hearing and directed land use staff to draft an approval of a special exception permit allowing an interior expansion of a pre-existing non-conforming industrial manufacturing use in a Business-2 District. Commissioners will deliberate and vote on the draft approval at their next meeting.
Years ago, the commission allowed a limited manufacturing use in a B-2 District and this expansion would reach 89 percent of the threshold.
Biomerics, owned by DG Commercial, LLC, is a full service polymer solution provider and contract manufacturer for the medical device and biotech industries, according to its website. It has 150 employees.
Bjorklund said no change to the building facade is proposed and there are no requirements for additional parking, because the company will not be adding any new employees.
A study assessing the septic capacity was submitted to the Monroe Health Department at its request.
