ASHFIELD — The property at 634 Bellus Road, home to a small glassblowing studio since 1996, is expected to stay the course under new ownership.

In a joint meeting between the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals on Nov. 29, Michael Schunke and Josie Gluck were issued a special permit from the Planning Board for the continued use of the glassblowing studio, which is currently owned by Ed Branson. The ZBA will continue developing a list of conditions for a permit during its next meeting on Dec. 14.

Schunke and Gluck hope to buy the 0.75-acre property and run their own glassblowing operation with the equipment Branson already has in the studio. In preparation for the sale, Schunke and Gluck applied for a special permit and variance to continue using the building as a glassblowing studio. They also hope to build a dwelling unit above the studio for them to live in.

“Ed Branson’s property at 634 Bellus Road is uniquely attractive to us because it invites a sustainable and efficient transition from one glass studio to another,” Gluck read from her letter at the hearing. “Because our businesses are essentially identical, specific systems and infrastructure are in place in Ed’s building to ensure health and safety.”

The building was originally designed for apple storage, and Branson converted the structure 26 years ago for his art practice. Branson had up to five employees working at the studio at any given time. The new owners said they do not plan to have any employees, although they may enlist the help of a third person for tasks involving heavy lifting.

Schunke and Gluck use a traditional Venetian glassblowing method that they described as “old-school.” Their company, now operating out of West Grove, Pennsylvania, is called Vetro Vero. Vetro Vero translates from Italian to mean “true glass,” which references to the authenticity and integrity in materials, and the company values of design and craftsmanship.

Schunke and Gluck have not provided any plans for the dwelling unit given they have not secured a building permit yet. They said they plan to follow all rules and regulations, and that the septic system on the property would accommodate the addition.

At the hearing, Branson voiced his support for the change in ownership.

“Now Ashfield has the opportunity to continue being a place that produces beauty,” Branson said.

Three residents spoke at the hearing, with each being in support of the special permit being issued. They noted that during Branson’s original permit hearing in 1996, it was much more contentious, with almost 100 people in attendance. By comparison, there were about 25 people at the Nov. 29 Zoom meeting.

The Planning Board issued a special permit with all but one of the same conditions given to Branson. The studio must have limited noise, parking is restricted to seven vehicles except during special events, a maximum of four seasonal events are allowed annually, exterior lighting must face downward, signs must be an appropriate size (such as the signs currently on the property) and retail business must be by appointment only except during special events. The ZBA plans to continue considering conditions during its Dec. 14 meeting.

Reach Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.