The meeting’s central focus was a hotly debated application for the construction of a digital billboard. Concerns were raised regarding the sign’s visibility from nearby residential properties, its height, and the implications for local aesthetics and traffic. The board’s deliberation on this matter was intense, with members and the public alike expressing differing viewpoints on the appropriateness of the billboard within the neighborhood’s character.

Initially, the proposed height of the billboard was a point of contention. The potential for the sign to be visible from residential properties prompted one participant to question whether anyone would want such a sign visible outside their home daily. The debate extended to the billboard’s alignment with the community’s aesthetic character and the importance of preserving the residential zone’s character. However, after a recess and further discussions, the applicant proposed lowering the billboard’s height to 35 feet, which the board accepted.

A property manager speaking during public comments supported the billboard, highlighting its potential to promote local businesses and provide emergency notices. They assured that the billboard would not interfere with residents in their complex and noted the absence of opposition from those residents.

Ultimately, the board voted in favor of the billboard’s construction, with stipulations including a landscape plan and an agreement on messaging with the town. This decision followed a examination of the billboard’s illumination levels, readability, and traffic impact. The applicant was also required to comply with zoning regulations, as the billboard was initially a non-permitted use in the B2 Highway development District. As part of the approval process, the applicant highlighted the benefits of digital technology for real-time alerts and public service announcements, and assured that the display’s brightness could be adjusted and would focus on the highway rather than residential areas.

The board’s decision was informed by technical discussions on the billboard’s lighting and visibility. The assessment included considerations of the angles at which the light would be visible from homes, the distance from which the message could be read, and the comparison with other existing signs in the vicinity. A traffic report was presented, and questions were raised about the potential increase in traffic due to the billboard.

Aside from the billboard, the board addressed other applications, including a variance request for a two-story addition, landing, and stairs off a second-story addition to a residential property. There were concerns about the encroachment on side yard setback, leading to discussions on alternative solutions such as a covered walkway or smaller carport. The board granted a variance for building coverage and impervious coverage but required the withdrawal of the carport addition from the application due to concerns about the encroachment.

Other matters included the approval of two applications and the postponement of a third due to escrow issues. Additionally, there was a debate over a property in a split zone, part commercial and part residential, concerning the validity of a permit and the property’s potential commercial use.

The meeting also recognized the impending departure of a board member and the plans for a farewell gathering.