The most significant item on the agenda was the public hearing for the site plan and stormwater application submitted by New England Power Company for properties at zero Bishop Street and zero Park Street. The project aims to modernize the outdated substation. The applicant requested a special permit to allow light fixtures up to 35 feet in height, exceeding the current maximum of 15 feet, and sought a stormwater permit due to the expansion of impervious areas.

Town Planner Robert Pontbriand provided context, noting the site’s location at the intersection of Bishop Road and Park Street, near the railroad tracks and a cemetery. The project requires site plan review, a special permit, and a major stormwater management permit. Additionally, it will necessitate a filing with the Conservation Commission for a Notice of Intent (NOI) due to wetland impacts.

Joshua Lee Smith, representing National Grid, and Brian Wentworth, civil engineer with BC Group, presented the project details. They emphasized that the substation has been operational for decades and the proposed improvements are essential for modernizing equipment. The expansion includes a new 2,200 square-foot control house and enhancements to security fencing, which will be topped with barbed wire.

Concerns about the project’s impact on the surrounding area were discussed, particularly the removal of mature trees along Bishop Road. These trees will be replaced with non-deciduous plantings, extending the fenced area by about 20 to 25 feet in both directions. The project also involves approximately 3,500 square feet of wetland fill, necessitating a wetland replication plan.

A point of discussion was the necessity of a secondary entrance for construction and maintenance activities. The current entry point along Bishop Road will remain the primary access, with the new entrance serving mainly for construction. The board was assured that there would be no increase in traffic post-construction.

Further, the board addressed comments from various departments, including the Department of Public Works. The project team confirmed their commitment to align the design with local requirements, particularly regarding the entrance’s alignment with existing roadways.

During the public hearing, Dr. Peter Heri, a resident, raised concerns about the visual impact of the substation from his property and requested the planting of greenery to obscure the view. He suggested the use of evergreen trees to maintain visual cover year-round, acknowledging the limitations imposed by power lines and wetlands. The board discussed the feasibility of planting in the buffer zone near the wetlands and the need for visual stakings of property lines to clarify potential planting areas.

The board also emphasized the importance of maintaining visibility into the substation for security reasons, referencing past incidents of unauthorized access. The project includes a lighting plan that proposes new lighting without increasing brightness levels at the site.

In addition to the substation project, the meeting addressed broader housing issues. A focus was on the need for increased housing density around the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) zones. The current density around the Ayer MBTA station is only 2.2 units per acre, far below the desired 15 units per acre. The speaker highlighted that achieving this density is important for revitalizing the downtown area, which suffers from low foot traffic and limited business viability.

The revised inclusionary housing bylaw was also discussed. The new proposal aims to broaden the scope. The revised bylaw presents three options for developers: providing on-site affordable units, making a payment in lieu of providing units, or developing affordable units offsite. This change is intended to ensure that smaller developments also contribute to affordable housing.

The meeting also included updates on ongoing projects, such as the Stratton Hill development and the site plan application for One Park Street. The board discussed the need for coordination with the Department of Public Works and the Conservation Commission, particularly regarding wetland replication and flood zone considerations.