A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the topic of mechanical parking systems, a subject that has seen previous public hearings. The board noted that an attempt to remove these systems from the city ordinance was stalled due to a lack of action from the city council within the required 90-day timeframe. As a result, the board plans to re-advertise for another public hearing, with hopes that the city council will address the recommendations this time. The mechanical parking system, initially considered for a major commercial parking garage behind Northgate, faced backlash due to its complexity and maintenance issues, prompting the board to rethink its implementation.

The board spent considerable time discussing the implications of the Affordable Homes Act, recently signed by Governor Haley. This act allows for ADUs in single-family homes as a right, with units permitted to exceed 900 square feet. The regulations require adjustments to align with state mandates, especially regarding detached units previously not permitted unless integrated into the principal structure. The board focused on maintaining appropriate dimensional requirements for ADUs, particularly on smaller lots to avoid encroaching on neighbors. The updated ordinance aims to facilitate these units in suburban and rural areas where larger lots can accommodate their construction. A public hearing for the updated ADU ordinance is scheduled for February 25th, allowing the board members to review all amendments before the meeting.

In addition to regulatory discussions, the board reviewed several development projects. Among them. This project is in the environmental permitting stages and is strategically located between Kelly’s and the Breakers, close to Mil Creek. Another project at Gibson Point, with a temporary oxygen point permit for 291 units, has completed construction and features public open space along the waterfront, with a boardwalk connecting to Gibson Park.

The board addressed the construction of an 85-unit building on Nor Road near Wonderland. Although the project has zoning approvals, it is awaiting curb cut permits from Mass Highway and a traffic study before construction can begin. Concerns were raised about the proximity to the MBTA and the central County ditch that drains the surrounding area.

The meeting also covered a substantial resiliency project on Bennington Street, which involves raising the road elevation and constructing a berm to mitigate flooding risks. The project aims to protect the Blue Line MBTA station, Beachmont School, and nearby areas from high tides and storms. However, the construction of the berm has caused concern among VFW members about potential disruptions to their parking lot, necessitating future negotiations for parking easements on school property. Discussions clarified that while the road will be elevated, the berm will be constructed on the marsh side, offering protection for the Beachmont School and nearby homes.

Further, the board was updated on ongoing developments, including the anticipated second building at Suffolk Downs with 575 units and two large technology warehouses on the north side of Route 1A. These warehouses, measuring 310,000 and 275,000 square feet, reflect the city’s growing technological infrastructure. Additionally, a 77,000 square foot technology warehouse was mentioned, alongside potential repurposing plans for an old pier maintained by Irving Oil.

Concerns about the Overlook project’s progress were noted, with only preliminary site plans for a 10,000 square foot retail component available. The status of a trailer park overlay district remains on hold, awaiting further developments.