NEWBURYPORT — On April 21, 2026, the Newburyport Conservation Commission continued its review of a proposed sauna project at 082nd Street after commissioners said they were still waiting for a site plan and raised questions about the project’s operating window and location in a resource area.
The proposal was submitted by Skog & Stone Sauna Co., listing Prince Boateng as the applicant.
Early in the discussion, commissioners said the applicant had not submitted materials requested at a previous meeting, including a basic plan showing where the sauna operation would be located. Commission member Janet Daisley also noted that the applicants were not present for the April 21 meeting, despite her expectation that they would attend.
“Maybe we should save the more substantive discussion for when the applicants are here, but I’m not sure why they’re not here, and I’m not sure if they’re planning to show up for this meeting,” Daisley said.
Commission Chair Joe Teixeira said the missing plan prevented the commission from moving forward.
“Well, they knew that they needed a plan, and if they didn’t submit it, then we’re not going to approve them anyway,” Teixeira said.
Daisley said she also wanted project documents to be signed by both the company and the property owner.
Teixeira then tabled the proposal while the commission took up other business. Later in the meeting, commissioners returned to the item. Teixeira said the matter would likely need to be continued to May 5 because the applicant had not submitted the requested site plan.
Commissioners briefly questioned whether the sauna was still operating, with Daisley saying she had seen them “out there.”
The commission also questioned the company’s proposed operating schedule. Members said the materials referenced a 180-day limit, but also listed a possible operating window from Sept. 1 to May 31, which would exceed 180 days.
Commissioners said the company should clarify the dates in writing, including whether the 180 days would be consecutive. Daisley said she would follow up with the applicants about the operating window, the missing site plan and the request for signatures from both the company and property owner.
Commissioners also discussed whether the project may need to be elevated to a Notice of Intent because it is located in a resource area and could qualify as an alteration under local wetlands rules.
The commission voted unanimously to continue the proposal to its May 5 meeting.
