A major topic of discussion was the traffic conditions on Route 6, particularly the abrupt change in speed limits from Rhode Island to Westport, which increases from 40 to 50 miles per hour. This transition has been a point of contention due to the road’s proximity to residential driveways and businesses. A speaker characterized Route 6 as “inhospitable to humans,” reflecting widespread concerns about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The sentiment was that navigating this high-speed thoroughfare feels chaotic and dangerous, with some individuals opting for alternative routes to travel across town. The board also noted an ongoing traffic circle project at Tickle Road, which is still under design.

The board then turned its attention to the housing production plan and its alignment with the Route 6 neighborhood plan. Collaborative efforts between project leads were highlighted, with the aim of ensuring the plans are effectively synchronized. An update revealed that the select board had endorsed the housing production plan, enabling its submission to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for approval. This plan, valid for five years once effective, would allow Westport to apply for additional grants. Concerns about the safety and functionality of Route 6 were echoed, with residents expressing reluctance to walk or bike in the area due to perceived dangers. The board discussed the potential for pedestrian and bicycle paths separate from vehicle traffic, with the idea of a “road diet” to reduce vehicle speeds mentioned but not further detailed.

In zoning matters, the board reviewed the attorney general’s ruling on the May 2025 town meeting’s zoning bylaw amendments. The attorney general approved the short-term rental bylaw and the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw but disapproved a provision requiring attached ADUs to maintain the exterior appearance of a single-family dwelling. The board acknowledged the need to rectify this oversight since ADUs can also apply to duplex lots. Concerns were raised about using dimensional requirements to restrict ADU development unreasonably, with the board contemplating how to balance existing regulations with the need to encourage ADU construction. They suggested tracking ADU application denials to understand if current regulations were deterring development.

The board also discussed other zoning amendments, such as eliminating one of the two building height definitions for consistency, adjusting dog kennel regulations to allow up to four dogs, and making technical fixes to floodplain bylaws. An ongoing effort to draft a bylaw for scenic roads was noted, with plans for public hearings to follow. Additionally, the board considered revising the open space residential development (OSRD) bylaw to encourage developers to favor this option over traditional subdivision methods, drawing inspiration from Dartmouth’s success with OSRDs.

In development projects, the board addressed the consolidation of multiple lots at zero Tickle Road and Tickle Road. The request aimed to consolidate several parcels into one large lot, clarifying property lines and access rights while addressing existing title issues concerning a “paper street” from a subdivision in the 1980s. The board unanimously endorsed the plan, noting it met the intensity requirements and complied with Massachusetts General Laws.

The meeting also covered updates on Bentley Estates 2, where sidewalk construction improvements were noted following resident complaints about Cape Cod berm installation. The developer was contacted for further updates, with the board suggesting their presence at the next meeting. Additionally, the board reviewed To Cheryl’s Way, focusing on the final as-built review and the release of consultant review fees. Concerns about landscaping, particularly regarding screening in front of a chain-link fence, were discussed, with a consensus on the need for further investigation into the original plan and conditions regarding screening.