Initially, the board had considered a $114,660 surety, but concerns about a double addition of a 20% contingency and potential cost increases due to prevailing wage rates prompted further discussion. The board eventually agreed on the revised amount to account for unforeseen expenses.

In conjunction with the financial discussion, the topic of housing affordability garnered attention. The board was briefed on current housing trends, with average home prices in Westport hovering around $1.2 million for properties ranging from 2,000 to 5,500 square feet. This sparked a conversation about the town’s demographic shifts, highlighting a mix of older and younger families moving into the area. The challenges posed by wetlands and septic systems in the region were acknowledged, alongside the generally favorable soil quality.

The board also delved into planning for future zoning amendments, a step in preparation for the upcoming 2026 town meeting. A timeline was established to submit these amendments to the select board. Concerns about the tight schedule led to the decision to hold a special meeting on December 23rd to finalize the amendments and keep the process on track.

In a move aimed at boosting local business, the board discussed the potential establishment of a village commercial zoning district. This initiative, particularly focused on the Adamsville area, seeks to accommodate mobile food vendors, retail, cafes, and restaurants through special permits. Previous zoning regulations had hindered the introduction of food trucks, but the new zoning proposal aims to officially permit these low-impact operations.

The importance of environmental stewardship was emphasized during discussions about the zoning changes, with specific concerns raised about the fish ladder in a local pond. It was suggested that collaboration should span various town departments to address these environmental issues before advancing new zoning initiatives.

The meeting also addressed ongoing interactions with local business owners, including the Delano family’s frustrations with zoning and health board challenges. Their interest in aquaculture initiatives and efforts to resolve zoning disputes were noted.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring collaborative zoning efforts with Little Compton, particularly in the area adjacent to the Rhode Island border. The board considered working with Little Compton to align zoning plans, especially given prior permissions granted on the Rhode Island side for mobile operations.

Transportation and infrastructure improvements were also on the agenda, with updates on grant applications submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Projects included creating a connection to a shared-use trail on Sanford Road and implementing traffic calming measures in speeding-prone areas. The town has secured approximately $2 million in grants over the past three years, with additional funding requests pending.

In other developments, the board unanimously endorsed an updated hazard mitigation plan, set to be submitted to FEMA and MIMA. This plan aims to address structural concerns, such as those at the harbor master’s office, which requires repairs to its roof and siding. Discussions about a concurrent update to the emergency response plan highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency across various town plans.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about the Route 6 area, where the board expressed concerns about balancing commercial development with the preservation of the rural character. The idea of creating village-like zones was proposed, focusing on smaller-scale commercial development to prevent the area from becoming dominated by strip malls and parking lots. The board also considered the potential for cottage clusters, offering smaller, two-bedroom homes to promote affordability while maintaining the town’s rural essence.