The meeting began with a discussion about the ANR endorsement for a property on Maple Street, submitted by Scott Faria. The Board scrutinized whether the proposed division into four parcels met zoning requirements related to frontage and lot size. Significant discrepancies were noted in the wetland survey and zoning designation, which could potentially affect the property’s development and compliance with town regulations. A town staff member explained that historical mapping inaccuracies contributed to these zoning issues, further complicated by a marijuana overlay district affecting part of the property.

The Board explored procedural options, including endorsing, denying, or deferring the application to seek clarification from the applicant. Members leaned towards caution, emphasizing the need for clear answers regarding zoning boundaries and the implications of the marijuana overlay. A vote was taken, and the motion to endorse the ANR was unanimously rejected, citing unresolved questions. The Board expressed a readiness to re-examine the application once additional information was provided.

Following this decision, the Board tackled significant public concerns during a continued review of the site plan for a proposed industrial building at zero Hill Street. Emily Buck from Bowman presented findings from a traffic study, revealing that operating speeds on Hill Street exceeded the posted limit of 30 mph, with northbound speeds at 41 mph and southbound at 43 mph. This discrepancy raised alarm about sight distances at the proposed driveways for the new building. Buck suggested that a regulatory speed assumption of 35 mph might be more appropriate, despite the advisory speed limit.

The Board and public discussed the balance between safety requirements and preserving a vegetative buffer that concerned neighboring properties. Adjusting the fence to improve sight lines would necessitate vegetation removal, impacting the buffer. The Board also addressed concerns from various department heads regarding water and fire safety measures, agreeing to add a water loop and fire hydrants around the building.

Public comments highlighted traffic safety concerns, with residents describing numerous near-misses and the dangerous speeds on Hill Street. One resident emphasized the urgency of reducing the speed limit, stating, “There’s going to be something fatal happening.” Concerns were also raised about the potential disruption from early morning traffic due to the proposed development, particularly for residents with children.

The Board acknowledged the complexities of increased truck traffic coinciding with school bus operations on Hill Street, with one member expressing difficulty in supporting the proposal despite wanting the business to succeed. The applicant’s traffic consultant maintained that the development would not pose significant traffic issues, based on scientific analysis.

The discussion on zoning matters extended to the state’s MBTA Communities Law, mandating towns to provide opportunities for housing development. The Board introduced an overlay district concept, layering additional zoning regulations to comply with state guidelines. Specific parcels were identified for the overlay, focusing on areas with existing multifamily developments and essential infrastructure like water and sewer services. The proposed overlay would allow for a maximum of three stories, with potential for five stories if affordable housing and mixed-use components were included.

The Board also considered split parcel zoning, particularly for high-density residential units. Members debated the practicality and impact of excluding certain properties from the overlay, ultimately deciding to recommend removing specific parcels to reduce the overall projected unit count and address community concerns. This recommendation would be presented at the upcoming town meeting.