The residential project’s variances included allowances for building height, critical area development, and a generator’s setback from property lines. The board’s decision followed extensive testimony and debate about the impact of the proposed construction on the neighborhood’s aesthetic and environmental quality. The board evaluated the applicants’ efforts to minimize disturbance to the site’s existing vegetation and topography. The applicants also presented plans for managing stormwater runoff, including the installation of dry wells to facilitate water infiltration and minimize excavation.

Another discussed topic was the proposed sports court’s impact on the area’s impervious coverage and steep slopes. The board inquired about the necessity of the sports court, with the property owner asserting its value addition and entertainment benefits. The sports court was designed to comply with the town’s impervious coverage regulations and included stormwater management features. The board also deliberated on the sports court’s fencing, lighting, and sound system, requesting compliance with local ordinances regarding light operation times and noise codes.

Further discussions centered on the installation of a generator with a setback of less than the required 10 feet from the property line. The board members debated the potential noise impact and whether a fence should surround the unit, given the ordinance’s application to non-residential uses only. The board also considered the addition of standards for swimming pools and accessory structures in the zoning ordinance.

The meeting also addressed the application for a bulk variance for a deck on Forest Drive, where the applicants sought to replace an old deck with steep steps, citing safety concerns. The board members requested additional information on an existing shed and fence on the property that encroached onto neighboring lots.

An application that garnered particular attention was for the construction of a playground and parking area at a learning and daycare center specializing in autism spectrum disorder. The applicant highlighted the organization’s mission and the necessity of a secure, accessible playground for the children served. The board reviewed plans and materials for the playground, discussing safety measures and the relationship between the parking lot and the play area. While considering whether to require the installation of bollards for safety, the board engaged in a broader debate about the center’s impact on the community and the associated costs of fulfilling additional safety requirements.