The property owner’s representative presented the case for removing the conditions that had been in place since 1999. They argued that the parking requirements that initially necessitated the restrictions have changed, rendering the conditions obsolete. The property is currently over-parked according to the new standards, which the representative suggested could accommodate medical and dental office uses without adverse effects. The board engaged in a thorough debate about the historical context and the evolution of parking standards, considering the implications of lifting such a restriction.

During the meeting, the applicant called a witness who owns a chiropractic practice on the property to provide testimony on the history and development challenges. The witness discussed the difficulties in conforming to the parking requirements and the confusion caused by the deed restriction, particularly regarding the leasing potential of the property to other medical professionals. Public comments were invited, offering additional perspectives on the matter.

The board’s professionals recommended that the deed restriction be extinguished or amended, citing the unusual encumbrance it placed on the property and the need to align with contemporary parking norms. After assessing the impact of the deed restriction on the future use of the property, the board decided to approve the request.

Additionally, the board discussed the Bridgewater Regional School District’s Fieldhouse site improvement project. The project presentation by Solutions Architecture covered a range of enhancements, including repaving the front parking lot, adding restroom facilities, relocating the main entrance, and ensuring ADA accessibility. The project also proposed drainage improvements and the addition of a new marquee entrance sign.

The board examined the project’s details, such as the provision for electric vehicle parking, the adequacy of storm swells, and the public accessibility of restrooms. The preparation for electric vehicle parking and the size of the swells were scrutinized to ensure they would accept impervious coverage appropriately. The board also inquired about the timing of the construction, its impact on student parking, and the presence of CCTV cameras in the area. The superintendent of schools confirmed that the parking lot is monitored by cameras and the Bridgewater police at certain times.

The Bridgewater Regional School District’s representatives discussed the expected schedule for the construction. However, the specifics of temporary pedestrian paths and parking arrangements during the summer were not fully detailed, prompting further queries from the board.

The meeting touched upon an extension request for a mixed-use development project. The applicant’s representative explained that the extension was sought due to delays in settlement-related steps and the nearing expiration of appeal periods for an alternative project. The board explored the ramifications of the extension and the implications for the project’s timeline and the settlement agreement.

In preparation for the upcoming master plan process, the board scheduled a workshop meeting for April 11th to involve members and solicit their input.