The meeting opened with Mayor Marcia A. Karrow presenting updates on traffic safety measures. The board approved the installation of three new stop signs at intersections including Park Avenue and Mine Street, Sangale Avenue and M Street, and L Street and M Street, aimed at reducing speeding and enhancing pedestrian safety. The decision came after police reports highlighted daily traffic counts ranging from 2,100 to 2,800 vehicles on M Street, with speeding particularly problematic during peak hours. The traffic engineer was consulted, and funding is being sought for flashing pedestrian lights across several streets. Furthermore, an all-way stop at Broad Street and Bfield Avenue was approved in anticipation of increased traffic from an upcoming hotel project, with installations expected by the year’s end.

While traffic safety dominated the early proceedings, the board also tackled the renaming of “will serve” letters from the water and sewer departments to “temporary reservation forms.” This change reflects concerns about the town’s limited water supply, sourced from municipal wells, and aims to address potential risks from new developments and contamination of existing water sources.

The meeting then turned to project compliance and development plans, with attention given to a construction project known as BSD. During the approval process, it was initially deemed unnecessary to screen rooftop equipment due to its expected invisibility. However, as construction progressed, the visibility of equipment became apparent, prompting the board to consider requiring screening to comply with the original site plan. The board voted unanimously to approve a field change for rooftop screening, aligning the project with aesthetic guidelines and addressing public concerns.

One part of the meeting involved the Liberty Village Redevelopment project, which aims to replace a vacant mall with new townhomes and veterans housing, including 19 affordable units. The project has received approval from the Department of Environmental Protection for flood hazard areas, proposing bio-retention systems to manage stormwater and alleviate flooding. Approved plans include upgrading outdated infrastructure, such as an undersized pipe beneath Stangle Road, to better handle runoff and prevent flooding in surrounding areas. The board discussed the project’s impact on traffic and public access, emphasizing the importance of phased construction and collaboration with local authorities to minimize disruptions.

The redevelopment project also raised questions about pedestrian safety and infrastructure enhancements, particularly concerning sidewalk placements and electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements. The board discussed the absence of sidewalks in certain areas, commitment to future improvements, and the need for better connectivity between existing and new sidewalks. Additionally, the project must provide EV charging capabilities for 15% of its parking spaces, with phased implementation aligned with state statutes.

The meeting concluded with a focus on drainage and landscaping concerns related to a proposed development. The board debated the adequacy of a proposed drainage area, which fell short of the necessary standards, and emphasized the need for a visually appealing entrance to the development. Despite lingering concerns about existing infrastructure, the board approved variances based on hardship due to site constraints.