At the center of the discussions was the perceived need to recalibrate the proportion of industrial land within the town. The proposed change, which would reduce the industrial zone by about 12%, was presented as a necessary measure to reflect the current residential nature of the neighborhood and its existing zoning patterns.

The deliberation over the zoning change was comprehensive, encompassing the history of the properties in question, the potential impact of the zoning on the existing house, and the dimensions of the requested zoning modification. Despite the absence of comments from the Conservation Commission, the Building Department suggested zoning the property as RA within the oer district. The board members discussed the broader implications of the change, raising questions about the history of the properties and the surrounding area, including the proximity to an industrial building and a landfill.

In the course of the hearing, there was acknowledgment of the challenges associated with predicting future community needs. Suggestions for alternative uses of the industrial land were put forward, including solar farms and recreational facilities.

The board also navigated discussions on updating accessory apartment bylaws and complying with multifamily zoning district statutes. A contract with MRPC to perform these duties, covering tasks, timelines, and deliverables, was confirmed to be in place. This move is in tandem with the broader effort to streamline and clarify the permitting process for applicants, as well as to reduce administrative burdens and redundancy in the bylaws.

Furthermore, the board reviewed warrant articles related to solar installations, focusing on the general requirements for large-scale mounted solar installations. Amid some confusion over article numbers, the board decided to circulate drafted statements via email for review and feedback, emphasizing the importance of presenting a clear and coherent position at the upcoming town meeting.

The meeting also tackled the drafting of a statement regarding a proposed amendment to the accessory apartment in the residential district. The debate revolved around the reasons for supporting the amendments, with the primary arguments being administrative and clarification edits, reducing redundancy, and creating a more efficient permitting process for applicants.

Additionally, the board discussed Article 20, which concerns the deletion of outdoor lighting provisions from the zoning bylaw. There was debate over the process of removing and replacing the bylaws and whether the articles should be combined for voting purposes. The discussion led to a suggestion to recommend taking no action on the repeal of the outdoor lighting bylaw if the new ordinance does not pass.

The meeting concluded with considerations regarding the upcoming special town meeting and the review of minutes for future meetings. The status of a specific site plan review and the expiration date of a special permit were also addressed.