The wastewater pump station project on Mill Pond Road was a primary focus, with the DPW director and project manager detailing the challenges related to the site’s limited footprint, groundwater depth, and utility conflicts. Concerns were raised about the previous facility’s lack of a generator and the impact of the new station’s elevation on neighboring properties. Efforts to minimize the station’s footprint and incorporate a generator to address power outages were noted as key elements of the project. Additionally, the Select Board addressed the removal and relocation of power lines, the removal of some trees, and the implementation of landscaping plans in collaboration with an abutter who granted an easement. Assurances were given that the new facility would be quieter and only produce significant noise during a generator’s operation in major power outages. The board also discussed the building’s appearance, opting for a stone facade to improve aesthetics.

The meeting also included discussions on the heating of the building, with an inquiry about a zero-energy option. The project was explained to be already heated, and any zero-energy bylaw considerations would be addressed separately. The elevation of the structure was clarified to be at least 3 feet above the current flood elevation of 12 feet, with the design flood-proofed to 15 feet. Questions were raised about future sea level rise and the possibility of raising the building further. The board discussed cost implications and acknowledged that the project had not concurrently gone through the planning and zoning boards, an oversight that was met with surprise from some members.

In addition, the board considered a proposed amendment to the site plan for the pump station. Although there were concerns about the amendment’s timing, the board received an apology for the communication oversight and approved the amended site plan with standard conditions. Support from the public was noted, with members of the community praising the design and anticipated improvements.

Another item on the agenda was the preliminary site plan review for a proposed garage and storage building on Depot Road. The applicant presented a plan involving a reduction in site coverage and alterations to the parking area. Discrepancies regarding the zoning classification were addressed, and the importance of a comprehensive drainage plan was emphasized. The pre-application for the project was accepted by the board without scheduling a site visit or public hearing.

The board also reviewed the new language for the West Chatham Neighborhood Center zoning district, focusing on definitions for qualified households and short-term rentals, and the importance of making laws understandable. Payment in lieu of providing a fractional unit for developments was discussed, with no major disagreements reported.

Deliberations on the density bonus and payment in lieu of affordable housing units for larger developments highlighted concerns about housing affordability and the impact of proposed requirements. The board debated the application of the density bonus for the fifth unit in a development and alternative approaches to using funds for affordable housing. The necessity of collecting more data on the value of year-round restricted units was underscored to assess the impact on developers.

The timeline and approach for presenting the draft plan to the public and special interest groups were also scrutinized. There was a debate on whether to approach special interest groups before the general public, with the board eventually desiring to seek feedback concurrently. The handling of special conditions in the use tables was debated, as was the need to define special permit criteria.

Lastly, the Select Board touched upon increasing housing density in West Chatham while promoting attainable affordable housing. Despite differing opinions on the incentive structure for developers, the board agreed to move forward with the draft proposal and complete the buildout analysis and visuals by early September.