The primary focus of the meeting was the public hearing for the subdivision project on Keen Road, proposed by AMN Estate Holdings LLC. This development, represented by Farland Corp., involves creating a six-lot subdivision featuring a 700-foot-long roadway with a cul-de-sac on a 10.5-acre parcel located in a residential A zoning district. The technical aspects of the project were thoroughly reviewed, including the proposed drainage system designed to manage stormwater through catch basins and an infiltration basin, as well as individual septic systems and wells for each lot.

Board members raised concerns about the adequacy of the drainage system, particularly its ability to handle runoff from severe weather events. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the system could manage stormwater effectively to prevent flooding. The applicant’s representative confirmed that revisions were made to address these concerns, including updates to the dimensions and specifications of the drainage features. Following these discussions, the board approved the waiver requests and the form C definitive subdivision, with conditions set forth in a document dated October 17, 2024. The plans will be available at the town clerk’s office for a 21-day appeal period.

Additionally, the board approved a special permit extension for zero Cushing Lane, where construction had been delayed due to legal complications. The applicant’s representative explained that work had initially begun in late 2022 but was halted due to a cease and desist order related to an access road issue. A settlement with the town resolved the matter, and the board granted a one-year extension to the permit.

The meeting further addressed a request for an opinion on access determination for Lambert Street, involving a proposal by Justin Lawrence. The applicant sought to develop a lot with access issues, having been left without proper access due to historical development oversights. The board reviewed the proposed access plan, which involved altering the wetland system to accommodate a driveway while maintaining a buffer zone to minimize wetland impact. The plan, which included utilities running underground to a proposed home, aimed to reduce potential wetland impacts compared to constructing a full roadway.

While some board members expressed concern about setting a precedent for using the end of a road as frontage, the discussion concluded with a consensus to evaluate the plan based on the suitability of the proposed driveway. The board decided not to focus on the frontage issue but rather on the driveway’s adequacy for serving the single-family home.

The board also reviewed procedural matters, including a revision to the fee schedule for engineering and inspections related to road projects. They agreed to remove a $400 fee for subdivision amendments, deeming it unnecessary. Additionally, the board discussed streamlining application filing requirements by consolidating forms and reducing the number of hard copies needed.

Finally, the board considered a request for comment on a 150-foot monopole cell tower proposed by Verizon on Leonard Street. The proposal had previously faced complaints from neighbors, and the board suggested referring the matter to the zoning enforcement officer to clarify permitting requirements.