The most notable topic at the meeting was the Sandwich Road Housing LLC’s application under Chapter 40B for a comprehensive permit to build 50 residential units for residents aged 55 and older. The project proposes to allocate ten of these units as affordable housing, with prices below $100,000, targeting those at 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The legal representative for the applicant explained that the housing development was reduced from an initial 60 units to accommodate site layout and buffer considerations. The project aims to address the local need for senior housing, especially as Falmouth’s median age nears 63, and to provide smaller, more manageable housing options to facilitate downsizing.

The proposed development would feature cottage-style homes designed for “aging in place,” with two-bedroom layouts predominantly on the ground floor and upper levels to enhance accessibility. The design includes community-oriented elements such as porches and green spaces. The board members and the public raised concerns about the project’s density, traffic impacts, and potential legal challenges related to age-restricted occupancy, especially regarding affordable units. One board member articulated the need for younger families in Falmouth.

Traffic safety emerged as a crucial issue, with residents expressing concerns about the site’s proximity to a dense development area and a notoriously dangerous curve on the road. The applicant acknowledged the need for traffic studies, which had yet to commence, but assured that these would be conducted soon. Community members urged the board to prioritize pedestrian safety and consider the cumulative impact of multiple housing projects on local traffic conditions.

Agricultural preservation was another pressing topic, with several community members and organizations like Farming Falmouth voicing concerns about the development’s impact on agricultural land and local food systems. Residents feared the loss of agricultural zoning would compromise the town’s rural character and decrease farmland available for food production. The board reiterated that it primarily administers zoning bylaws and encouraged residents to direct policy-related concerns to the select board and town planner.

The meeting also addressed the implications of the “safe harbor” provision concerning local zoning regulations and the potential consequences for ongoing development projects. A recent memo highlighted that if an appeal against a safe harbor determination is successful, the board’s oversight of a specific project on Sandwich Road would be limited, allowing the developer to proceed with minimal restrictions. The board expressed apprehension about losing such control.

Public comments featured prominently in the discussion, with residents emphasizing the need for affordable housing that aligns with the town’s housing production program. Concerns about historical and environmental preservation were also raised, prompting suggestions for archaeological surveys to investigate the area’s indigenous and historical significance.

The meeting concluded with logistical discussions about upcoming site visits and future meetings. The board members emphasized the importance of community engagement and encouraged residents to submit written comments if unable to attend meetings. They acknowledged the challenges posed by limited firsthand site assessments and reiterated their commitment to informed decision-making.