The board’s decision to rescind approvals for the pickleball facility stemmed from a clerical error that undercounted affected abutters. By excluding an adjacent parcel, the oversight meant that only about 20 households were informed, as opposed to the correct number of over 50. The motion to rescind was supported by a resident who appreciated the board’s swift response and suggested a site visit to understand the project’s community impact better. Community members expressed concerns about tree removals and compliance with conditions set by the board. The board clarified that a new public hearing scheduled for November 17 would allow for necessary community input.

During the meeting, the board also addressed a budget crunch facing the local school district. A school committee member explained that financial constraints might lead to restructuring options, such as school mergers or closures of aging buildings. The community was encouraged to participate in a survey on the school’s website to provide feedback on the potential changes. An earlier virtual forum had seen participation from nearly 400 attendees.

Concerns about the traffic patterns at Kelly’s Corner also surfaced, with a resident describing the area as chaotic due to an excessive number of traffic lights in a short distance. The synchronization of these lights, particularly during nighttime, was criticized for causing unnecessary delays. Suggestions were made to adjust certain lights to activate only when buses were present, thus improving the flow of traffic. Town management confirmed that the issue was under review, with plans for future adjustments.

The meeting further covered updates on the fire department, particularly concerning station operations and staffing adjustments due to construction projects at the West Acton Fire Station. The town manager highlighted the ongoing nature of these adjustments and emphasized community participation in the upcoming Veterans Day ceremony.

Another topic involved the town’s annual tax classification hearing, set to determine the allocation of tax rates and exemptions for different property classes. The hearing, scheduled for November 3, will see the board vote on several tax-related issues. The discussion included the potential impact of proposed residential exemptions and commercial tax rates, with concerns about shifting the tax burden to larger landlords or corporations.

In addition to these discussions, the board approved a Class 2 auto dealer license for Cars of Lebanon, an online car sales business. The business owner clarified that there would be no physical car sales or servicing at the property, and the board unanimously supported the application.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the town’s budget and future financial planning. A presentation detailed the necessity of addressing infrastructure needs, including stormwater management and sidewalk improvements. The board also discussed staffing requests, operating budget increases, and the impact of rising health insurance costs. The necessity of establishing a revenue split with the schools was emphasized.