The meeting’s most development was the approval of a definitive subdivision plan for a property on Main Street. This plan, submitted by Lakeville Owner LLC, involves consolidating several parcels to create two buildable lots and a roadway. This proposal had been under discussion in previous meetings. A board member expressed confidence in the final condition document, stating it represented a satisfactory agreement. Specifically, condition number 30, related to trash compactors, was removed, as there were no such facilities planned for the site. Another condition, number 12, was revised to ensure broader coverage beyond hydrological calculations, with no objections from the board.

The approval process for the subdivision plan included logistical discussions about printing the approved plans on Mylar for signature and registry recording, highlighting financial considerations related to using Mylar over standard paper. The board agreed on Mylar’s necessity for definitive plans but considered standard paper for site plans, subject to further discussion.

In a related vein, the board deliberated on the implications of site plan review requirements for two proposed lots on Howland Road. The discussion centered on a bylaw that mandates site plan review for disturbances exceeding an acre, with uncertainties about its application given the lots’ history of separate ownership. Concerns were raised about potentially losing oversight of future developments if a site plan review was not conducted. The board considered endorsing the plan with conditions to ensure a review before any building permits could be issued, thus maintaining regulatory oversight.

A public hearing for a proposed 13,300 square foot building on Harding Street was also addressed, with the applicant requesting a continuation of the hearing until February 27. The board unanimously agreed to this continuation.

The board took time to revisit ongoing discussions about editing the site plan review bylaw. A member expressed appreciation for proposed draft language aimed at eliminating loopholes and addressing non-construction activities like parking lot expansions. The board weighed various suggestions for revisions, including provisions for cumulative permit values exceeding a certain percentage of assessed property value.

Another major topic was the finalized regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and the potential coexistence of these with existing accessory apartment bylaws. There was considerable debate over whether maintaining both frameworks was necessary or if it might cause conflicts, particularly concerning water and nitrogen loading issues in certain areas. Legal counsel’s opinion was sought on whether the two types of housing could coexist without conflict.

The board also discussed a complaint regarding excessive land clearing in Pine Crest Village. Photographs and an email detailed issues requiring immediate attention, including the need for a silt fence and a rumble strip. The conservation department’s site visit confirmed the necessity of these measures, which the contractor began to address promptly.

Additionally, the board engaged in a discussion on town bylaws, expressing interest in an independent assessment to identify any gaps or issues. The idea was to ensure bylaws align with current legal standards and community development needs. A motion to search for costs associated with hiring legal counsel for this review received unanimous support.

Finally, the board reviewed compliance with MBTA requirements. A letter from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities confirmed Lakeville’s interim compliance, allowing eligibility for funding programs like the Housing Choice Initiative. There was surprise among board members regarding additional grant opportunities, pointing to a lack of publicized information about available state funding.