One notable issue was the Grapes Tea House application, which was brought to a standstill because of a member’s recusal, leading to an insufficient number of eligible votes. The representative for the tea house, Mr. Salvini, requested that the application be put on hold until after the annual town meeting, anticipating that new members would join the board. The town planner proposed setting a timeline to move forward with the application and mentioned the necessity of coordinating with the town clerk to extend the application timeframe.

The planning board also delved into discussions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), prompted by a public comment from a resident named Victor. He sought guidance on converting a family-owned shed into livable space for a disabled relative. The board acknowledged the situation as illustrative of the need for the state’s ADU regulations, which aim to address affordable housing and family care. However, the board clarified that due to ongoing regulation drafting, they could not yet offer a path forward. The board emphasized the importance of clear standards for ADUs and the necessity of aligning with fire safety and zoning requirements.

In addition to ADU discussions, the board considered the conversion of a pre-existing non-conforming accessory structure into an ADU, a situation that underscored the need for clarity in zoning paths. The board recognized the unique challenges posed by properties with non-standard characteristics and stressed the importance of coordinating with the health department to ensure compliance, particularly regarding sewage management.

The meeting also touched on the proposed retail marijuana establishment on College Highway, with the applicant assuring compliance with town bylaws and highlighting the project’s potential benefits, including job creation and retail services. The planning board confirmed that the proposed establishment met the zoning requirements and addressed concerns about potential nuisances, such as noise and air pollution. The discussion culminated in a unanimous decision to grant a special permit and site plan approval, with conditions outlined to ensure ongoing compliance with local and state regulations.