Central to the meeting was the presentation of a traffic assessment by Scott Thornton from Vanessa Associates, which was designed to predict the development’s impact on local traffic flow and safety. The study, conducted in line with Massachusetts Department of Transportation standards, projected an additional 11 to 16 trips during peak hours, positing a minor 1.1 to 1.5% increase at the intersection of Auburn Street and Elliot Street. However, these projections were met with skepticism from Board members and residents who questioned the realism of these figures, given the development’s proposed 32 residences.

Board members expressed particular concern over the stated peak hour traffic estimates, fearing they may underestimate the actual number of vehicles, especially considering multiple cars per household. The meeting saw discussions on whether the study’s findings aligned with community experiences, with some residents arguing that the traffic study did not adequately reflect the current congestion and parking issues. Mark Den, a local resident, specifically challenged the study’s conclusion that the project would only minimally affect traffic delays, citing personal experiences of substantial congestion during peak hours. He argued that the estimate of a four-second delay increase was not reflective of the current realities faced by residents, who often encounter significant congestion and difficulty exiting driveways.

Further complicating matters, the conversation shifted to parking logistics. The project proposes to provide 1.41 parking spaces per unit, which exceeds Natick’s zoning requirements. Yet, residents remain uneasy about the adequacy of this provision. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of parked vehicles on emergency vehicle access, particularly given the narrow dimensions of Auburn Street and the presence of parked cars. Discussions touched upon the possibility of introducing parking restrictions to ensure emergency vehicles can navigate the area unobstructedly.

Safety was another key theme, with residents voicing fears over increased traffic posing risks to pedestrians and cyclists. The potential for added delivery vehicles and school vans further fueled anxieties, with some residents underscoring the need for re-evaluating traffic studies to include more accurate, contemporary data that considers post-pandemic traffic patterns and the rise of home deliveries.

The meeting also addressed the design and landscape aspects of the proposed development, with input from Rebecca Bohan, the landscape architect. The plan aims to maintain the site’s existing aesthetic while incorporating native plantings and bioretention areas to manage stormwater. However, these proposals were not without criticism. Some community members expressed dissatisfaction with the potential obstruction of river views and access, arguing that the project could diminish the neighborhood’s recreational appeal.

In terms of historic preservation, the project intends to renovate the existing Elliot School building, converting it into residential units while constructing a new adjacent structure. Feedback from the Historic District Commission was mixed, expressing support for preserving historic elements but raising concerns about the new building’s design fitting into the neighborhood’s character.