A central issue at the meeting was the zoning board of appeals’ review of a proposal to amend conditions on the use of a property on Brookline Road. The applicant, Addison, sought to shift the property’s classification from transient lodging to a more permanent residential use, which raised concerns about compliance with existing zoning laws. The property, situated within a commercial district and an aquifer overlay district, was subject to numerous regulatory considerations, including environmental protections due to its location in an area of critical environmental concern.

Board members grappled with the complexities of zoning regulations, particularly the classification of the units as non-owner-occupied cottage dwellings. The building inspector’s determination suggested that the units should be reclassified and that a special permit was necessary for their proposed use as long-term rentals. This sparked a debate about the definitions of cottage dwellings versus multifamily units and whether the applicant’s proposal could be accommodated within the current zoning framework. The conversation highlighted the inadequacies and ambiguities in the town’s zoning regulations, prompting a call for legal opinions to clarify the matter further.

Environmental concerns also played a role, as the conservation commission highlighted the property’s proximity to wetlands and riverfront resource areas, potentially complicating development plans. Given these challenges, the board decided to continue the hearing to gather more comprehensive feedback and legal guidance, tentatively setting the next meeting for October 1st.

In parallel, the meeting addressed the MBTA Communities multifamily overlay bylaw amendment, a step for the town to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. The amendment proposes the creation of an overlay zoning district along Route 13, allowing for multifamily housing development at a density of up to 15 units per acre. This initiative is essential for the town to meet state-mandated housing quotas and avoid penalties, including the potential loss of a $4 million water infrastructure grant.

The board learned that the town must permit the development of approximately 178 units within 12.2 acres to comply with the act. Despite the allowance for multifamily projects, site plan reviews would ensure oversight of any developments. Concerns were raised about the consequences of non-compliance, which could endanger crucial funding for fire department operations and educational facilities, posing a financial threat to the community.

The discussion also touched upon the resistance from some communities against the MBTA Communities Act, with four towns having unsuccessfully challenged the legislation. Laura Shiffren shared updates on compliance efforts across other communities.

A separate citizen’s petition proposing restrictions on developing certain parcels for housing was also discussed. The board expressed skepticism about the necessity of such restrictions, likening them to spot zoning, and ultimately decided to take a neutral “no comment” stance due to the lack of a compelling rationale from the petitioners.