The May 15 public hearing is poised to be an event where the Planning Board will address the proposed changes to enhance the town’s approach to land development with a strong emphasis on water quality and sustainable practices. The public hearing will provide a platform for stakeholders and residents to engage with the proposed changes and offer feedback.

In the realm of public participation, the board deliberated on the idea of adding a public comment portion to their meetings, following recent developments in the law affecting how public comments are managed for non-public hearing agenda items. Inspired by guidelines adopted by the select board and finance committee, the Planning Board is considering a similar approach to ensure that the public can effectively contribute to discussions while also keeping the process manageable and in line with legal requirements.

During the meeting, updates from various committees and commissions were presented. The select board reported on the formation of a committee to review the Wittier Regional agreement, while the zoning board of appeals provided insights into their recent activities and upcoming plans. The conservation committee discussed ongoing projects related to Main Street and sidewalk improvements, and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission shared updates on transportation plans and programs.

On the front of housing initiatives, the discussion turned towards zoning amendments aimed at creating more affordable and smaller dwelling units. An upcoming game night event is set to include a discussion on housing, with the Council on Aging expressing openness to the initiative. The Planning Board also examined two property applications, one for the Sunset Club and another for the Forest Street property.

Furthermore, a site meeting on Green Street was mentioned, which addressed storm water issues related to the Farm View Lane subdivision. Moreover, the upcoming presentation by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council on the Safe Streets and Roads for All program was discussed, seeking community input on transportation safety improvements. The board is looking for venues for MAPC to gather public feedback and identify areas in town that could benefit from safety enhancements, such as the crossing of Boston Road across Route 1 and the Island Center.

The meeting also touched on the availability of funding for transportation projects through the Federal Transportation Act and state programs.

Their collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to ongoing and future projects were evident.