Also of significance was the update provided by John PFA from McCarty Engineering on two properties, 255 Sunny Hill and Arbor Street, which are navigating through processes with the Conservation Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

An issue arose regarding an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for a property on Flath Hill Road. The board grappled with the plan’s impact on an adjacent lot, particularly concerning buildability and septic system implications. After an in-depth debate, the board decided to endorse the ANR, although concerns about the adjacent lot’s buildability were raised during the discussion. In a subsequent matter concerning the same property, the board refrained from endorsing the ANR due to incomplete information regarding property ownership and authorization.

The meeting also featured a presentation from the BSC Group, which offered two conceptual plans for the redevelopment of a former gas station on Massachusetts Avenue. The planning board was asked to provide feedback on these plans, which included the possibility of constructing a new building or reusing the existing structure, along with sidewalk extensions, landscaping, and parking.

Discussions regarding potential development on a parcel of land for a mixed-use building with commercial or retail space on the ground floor and residential units above ensued. The current zoning regulations were noted to disallow a multiple-story building that housed only residential units. The board discussed parking requirements, input from the Historical Commission and the Architectural Preservation District Committee on aesthetics, and the potential for affordable housing. The need for clear vision to attract developers and consideration of shared parking agreements were also stressed.

Another point of discussion was the stormwater permit for a property on Mopus Road. The board approved the permit with a performance guarantee of $5,000 and a six-month resolution period. Similarly, there was debate over the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy for a property with a performance guarantee of $10,000 for both lots under consideration, as well as a temporary occupancy permit authorized by the interim director with a performance guarantee of $12,500.

The meeting further addressed an increase in the maximum number of units in a particular district and the density in another area. The feasibility of these proposals was questioned, and the board agreed to continue the discussion in future meetings. Updates were provided on various committee reports and the town’s compliance with MBTA community requirements through December 31, 2025. The significance of friendly 40B developments to Lunenburg’s housing needs was noted.