The most notable topic of the meeting was the approval of stormwater management permits for properties on Sunny Hill Road and Goodridge Street. These permits are vital for ensuring that developments meet local regulations and manage runoff effectively. The board discussed the specific designs for stormwater control, including infiltration trenches and drywell systems, which aim to manage runoff and prevent erosion. The design for Sunny Hill Road incorporated geotextile fabric and rip rap stone to maintain slope stability, crucial due to the steep grades of the site. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining the natural grade to comply with the Stormwater Handbook and local regulations.

The discussions on Goodridge Street centered around a common driveway servicing multiple homes. The board considered waiver requests related to turning radius and turnaround areas, ultimately granting these waivers after confirming that the Fire Department was satisfied with the design. The board also addressed concerns about maintenance agreements for the common driveway, stressing the need for these agreements to be documented on property deeds. This condition was included in the special permit.

Another focal point of the meeting was the state-mandated changes to regulations governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These changes are part of a broader effort to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts. The new regulations eliminate the requirement for owner-occupied units among ADUs, potentially impacting housing availability by facilitating investor purchases and increasing rental stock. The board noted the challenges faced by smaller towns like Lunenburg in managing these mandates without the infrastructure of larger cities. Concerns were raised about the implications of these changes for local zoning control and the need for public education about the state legislature’s role in these decisions.

The board also discussed proposed updates to the floodplain maps, another state-driven requirement. These updates, tied to insurance considerations, include new definitions and a more complex variance process. The board acknowledged the necessity of these changes but expressed the need for clarity in the provided materials to facilitate informed feedback.

In addressing the composition of the Master Plan Steering Committee, the board grappled with issues of quorum and membership vacancies. There was a consensus on the need for action to prevent stalling the Master Plan project, with discussions about reducing committee positions to achieve quorum more easily. The board considered the importance of committee input in shaping the committee’s composition, balancing the urgency for action with the desire for inclusivity in decision-making.

The board also deliberated on a vacant piece of land on Town Harbor Road and its potential use for community gardens. While there was support for utilizing the land for agricultural purposes, the board chose to wait for input from the Open Space Committee and the Agricultural Commission before making a formal recommendation to the Select Board.