The subdivision plan presented at the meeting involved the reduction of buildings from the initial 20-22 to 17, with a total of 35 lots including some duplex units. The discussion centered on the environmental benefits of the proposal, with the applicant’s representatives underlining the plan’s intention to maintain a large area of the site as undisturbed open space. The board’s deliberations included considerations about the infrastructure, particularly the inclusion of affordable housing units, and whether the inclusionary bylaw would apply to the development. Specific concerns addressed included the design and pricing of duplex units, landscape maintenance, and the topography’s influence on potential views from the houses.

Stormwater management for the project at 333rd Street also took center stage, as the board approved site plans for Lots 1 through 3 and granted a major stormwater management permit with special conditions. The approved operation and maintenance manual (OMM) is to be referenced in each lot’s deed. A detailed presentation on stormwater treatment using jersey barriers and berms to control water flow and sediment was given, with a site visit planned to assess the effectiveness of this proposed solution further. The board discussed the challenges related to finding suitable areas for treatment and the necessity for additional landscaping, including the positioning of a dumpster.

Another discussion involved the project at 27 and Harvard Road. The property was erroneously shown as rezoned from General Residence to General Business on an updated zoning map, despite the rezoning never being formally adopted at a town meeting. With the map corrected during the April town meeting, the board approved the site plan and use special permit for the property.

The Washington Street Panther Place project also featured prominently, with the board voting to approve the release of the Covenant for Lots 19 and 20 of the subdivision. This followed a recommendation from the Department of Public Works.

Additionally, the board tackled a request for continuance for a minor modification at One New England Way due to a lapse of a variance. The continuance was unanimously granted, postponing the public meeting for this project until the planning board meeting of July 9, 2024.

The meeting further addressed various other topics, such as the installation of catch basins and concerns about flooding and road development. A resident raised issues regarding the relocation of a road and past inadequate flood management. The board also touched upon the MBTA zoning overlay district, which aims to encourage development and reduce barriers, aligning with the form-based code.

Throughout the discussions, the board maintained a focus on ensuring that all projects comply with legal and regulatory standards. The board’s role was clarified as not to judge the quality of projects but to uphold these standards. Requests for visual aids and site visits were made to enhance understanding and decision-making for the various developments under consideration.