The first significant item of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the site plan application for a property on Plymouth Street by Arnold WEA. The commission considered an extension request due to the applicant’s absence. After debating the appropriate extension period, the board settled on a 30-day extension until October 9, contingent upon the applicant’s acceptance. A motion was made and passed unanimously, including an amendment stipulating that if the applicant did not accept the extension by September 9, the application would be denied.

During the discussion, a member of the Historical District Commission, John Shay, inquired about the site plan’s details, specifically whether it included photographs of the building as required. It was confirmed that while drawings were submitted, the photographic documentation might be incomplete. Shay was advised to visit the office to access the documents. The commission highlighted that a failure to respond to the extension by the deadline could lead to a constructive denial.

The second primary focus was the hearing for a site plan review application for a property on Home Street, designated as PSR 24-1. The applicant’s representative, An Soes, presented a proposal to change the property’s use from storage to light manufacturing for assembling signs and traffic control devices. The plan included the installation of a stormwater management system but no additional building construction. Soes detailed that operations would involve minimal welding, with a small workforce, operating from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

The commission scrutinized the stormwater management system, addressing existing site conditions and the need for improvements to handle stormwater runoff. The property had leaching catch basins that were only somewhat effective, leading to runoff issues during larger storms. The proposed solution included installing hay bales for erosion control and designing the site layout to manage runoff better. These measures aimed to mitigate the impact on Home Street and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

A discussion ensued about the introduction of two new open infiltration basins to replace existing catch basins. The proposed design aimed to contain runoff from various storm events. It was emphasized that the site would maintain a gravel base to enhance water infiltration, with parking arrangements and delivery logistics carefully planned to minimize environmental impact.

Concerns were raised by a resident from 331 River Street regarding the topography of the property and its proximity to wetlands and marshlands. The resident provided documentation showing the property’s location relative to watershed outlines and water resources, emphasizing the need for oversight and adherence to environmental regulations. The resident’s comments highlighted the property’s inclusion within the tributaries to Silver Lake and the Mon Pond Watershed, contradicting previous assessments.

Further debate centered on the compliance of the property with site plans and environmental regulations, particularly regarding stormwater management and tree removal. One participant argued that new site plans should not be considered until the property complies with the original site plan, citing issues with stormwater runoff due to the absence of gravel and the use of impervious recycled materials. The participant emphasized the necessity of addressing these issues before moving forward with new developments.

Lighting concerns were also discussed, with previous complaints about lights in the back of the building being acknowledged. It was confirmed that problematic lights had been disconnected, except for one at the top of the exterior stairwell, which remained due to code requirements. The commission discussed potential solutions, including vegetation plantings to provide privacy and mitigate light pollution.