One item at the meeting was the discussion and subsequent approval of Ordinance 2026-01, which proposes the creation of an affordable housing district (AH10) on Nassau Street. This ordinance, part of the town’s fourth round affordable housing plan, aims to transform the site, currently occupied by professional office buildings, into a mixed-use residential development. The proposal includes up to 95 multifamily residential apartments, with a commitment that 20% of these units will be designated as affordable housing. The ordinance also allows for 3,300 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor, maintaining a balance between residential and commercial use. Board members discussed the ordinance’s consistency with the master plan, particularly praising its alignment with goals to increase affordable housing and enhance land use patterns.

During the meeting, a board member emphasized the need to preserve existing trees along the property’s edge. This concern was echoed by community members, including Chris Sturm and Depali Desai, who participated in the public comment segment. Both residents expressed strong support for the ordinance, urging the Board to consider the impact on the streetscape and ensure an inviting, open feel between the building and the sidewalk. Sturm and Desai underscored the importance of timely approval of the ordinance to meet statutory obligations and foster a future-ready community.

The Board’s discussion addressed a concern regarding the absence of a required landscaping buffer under the current zoning, which raised questions about potential impacts on streetscape aesthetics and tree preservation. It was clarified that the project’s design does not necessitate a traditional landscape buffer since parking will be housed within the building. The potential inclusion of green space and a rooftop garden was also mentioned, contributing to the project’s overall environmental considerations.

The ordinance was found to be substantially consistent with the master plan after the Board deliberated on these aspects, voting unanimously to recommend its approval to the council.

Following this, the Board reviewed Ordinance 2026-02, which seeks to amend an earlier ordinance for the AH14 affordable housing district. This ordinance is also part of the fourth round housing plan. The amendments aim to resolve conflicting language within the existing municipal code that could restrict affordable housing development. By ensuring that the new ordinance takes precedence in the event of conflicts, the amendments seek to facilitate smoother implementation of affordable housing initiatives.

The legal implications of these amendments were thoroughly discussed, with the Board emphasizing the necessity of removing contradictory language to prevent any hindrances to affordable housing construction. The proposed changes are characterized as necessary adjustments to ensure clarity and coherence in the code.

The discussion also included assurances that the amendments would be applicable to both current and future regulations, thus avoiding any potential conflicts with forthcoming ordinances. With no additional public comments or questions, the Board unanimously approved the motion to accept the amended ordinance, again finding it consistent with the master plan and recommending its approval to the council.