The focal point of the meeting was the removal of the South Street rezoning article, an item initially included in the town meeting warrant. The board engaged in a discussion about the unusual nature of denying a change in an applicant’s decision after a zoning change has been placed on the warrant. One board member noted the rarity of such a denial, emphasizing that it was uncommon in their experience for the board to reject a withdrawal request under these circumstances. Attorney David Click, representing the applicant, confirmed communications with John Gelsich regarding the intent to withdraw the article. A motion to remove the article was proposed and seconded, followed by a roll call vote that resulted in an 8-0 decision, with one board member recusing themselves from the vote. The removal will be reflected in the warrant for the town meeting, with the select board expected to review and sign the updated version.

Following this decision, the board proceeded to review previous meeting minutes and addressed a continuation request for a public hearing concerning a special permit for a common driveway and stormwater management permit for properties at zero and Winter Street. A motion to continue the hearing and extend the decision deadline to May 7th was passed, with one member abstaining.

The board then turned its attention to a new public hearing for a definitive subdivision plan for Katherine Drive, involving a proposal by the Holman family. A representative introduced the project, detailing its history and the challenges posed by an Eversource electric transmission line, which affects access to a particular lot. The proposal includes formalizing access through a combination of paved and gravel driveways, adhering to necessary drainage grades and emergency access requirements. Waivers were requested to reduce standard roadway construction specifications due to the limited residential use. The plan also involves extending utilities such as power, gas, and municipal sewer to the lot.

Discussion ensued regarding the expansion of an infiltration basin connected to the Hannes Farm roadway. This approach aimed to minimize land clearance and modifications on an adjacent lot. The presence of wetlands nearby but not within 100 feet of the project site was confirmed, negating the need for additional permits beyond a federal stormwater pollution prevention permit. The proposal seeks to reactivate a previous approval modified to align with 2025 planning board standards.

During the deliberations, a board member inquired about the nature of the infiltration basin, which was clarified as an open-air structure designed to avoid prolonged standing water, addressing potential health concerns. Additionally, there was a discussion about Eversource’s ownership of land allowing only foot traffic, with easements permitting access to adjacent parcels. However, the exact boundaries of this easement have yet to be determined.

The need for a site visit to assess the project was debated, with board members expressing a preference for conducting such visits. Scheduling proved challenging due to conflicting commitments, particularly youth soccer activities. After several date proposals and adjustments, April 15th at 4:30 p.m. was agreed upon for the site visit, aligning with the representative’s availability. The public hearing for Katherine Drive was continued to April 28th, and logistical details for the site visit, such as parking arrangements, were discussed.