A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion about the restoration plan for the property located at 96 and Summers Road, managed by We’re a Farm LLC. This plan entailed planting blueberry bushes and revegetating land adjacent to a pond. The council faced a notable decision on whether the restoration efforts required a formal Notice of Intent (NOI) or if a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) would suffice. Participants were divided on the best approach, with one emphasizing, “We don’t want to mess it up if we don’t have to,” advocating for minimal disturbance to the naturally regrown buffer zone. Others pointed out that the improvements within the buffer zone were substantial compared to its previous condition, which had been dilapidated.

This led to frustration over the planning process, with remarks such as, “We always seem to be putting the cart before the horse,” highlighting the perceived inefficiencies in procedural mechanisms. Ultimately, the council agreed that any necessary work would be minimal and manual, focusing on removing invasive species by hand to limit disturbance to the existing ecosystem.

Another pressing matter was the proposed dredging of Blackman Pond, aimed at removing sediment to enhance the park in line with the Wetlands Protection Act. The council decided to continue the discussion in a future meeting in August. The plan outlined house placements and grading near wetlands, necessitating proper markers and erosion control measures. Following a public hearing, the council approved general and special conditions for the project.

In addition to these discussions, the council also addressed ongoing projects. Notably, a project involving stream alteration was confirmed to be progressing in compliance with the relevant requirements. Furthermore, there was a request for an extension on another project, with a member indicating procedural adherence by stating, “I did have to ask you for permission to give it another 30 days.”

The session concluded with unanimous agreement to adjourn, leaving several discussions to be revisited in future meetings.