The meeting opened with a discussion led by Gene Hartnett on the housing production plan, with the expectation that the select board will review the plan in July or August. The plan allows for minor grammatical adjustments without further board review, but any major changes will need additional scrutiny by the planning board. The plan, likened to a “pallet of different options,” was approved unanimously, emphasizing flexibility in its recommendations.

Following this, the board reviewed a request by T A KJ LLC to endorse an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan, combining two properties into a single lot meeting zoning requirements. The proposed site plan for a new freezer building was also discussed. The new building, designed as an accessory to the Duigi Foods facility, aims to improve operational efficiency without increasing employee numbers or altering operations hours. It features a layout to enhance truck circulation and includes 14 parking spaces.

Jay Pelitz from Hancock Associates presented plans for the new building, which includes a stormwater management system with subsurface chambers, receiving a favorable engineering review. Despite its smaller size than a previously proposed project, concerns about noise, especially from neighboring areas, were raised. The board discussed potential noise from mechanical systems and agreed that ongoing monitoring and cooperation with town staff would be essential if noise issues arose post-construction.

Public comments highlighted concerns regarding the noise impact from refrigerator trucks and the use of forklifts inside the facility. The applicant addressed these by confirming the use of quieter electric forklifts and implementing noise mitigation strategies. Landscaping plans, including a line of arborvitae, were discussed as potential noise barriers, although the site’s slope limits additional tree planting options. The board considered a baseline noise study unnecessary due to ambient noise from nearby highways but emphasized the importance of continued noise monitoring.

The board’s attention then shifted to a site plan review by Aomed, Inc. for a property on Cherry Hill Drive. The development plan included a new building addition and expanded parking lot. The applicant was instructed to adhere to town regulations prohibiting the use of municipal water for irrigation. The board required a four-foot fence around stormwater basins to comply with safety regulations, with approval needed for the fencing type to maintain site aesthetics.

Board members expressed concerns over fencing safety and irrigation plans, emphasizing adherence to established guidelines. The board set conditions for the site plan approval, including addressing engineering division comments and maintaining compliance with town regulations. A motion to close the public hearing was approved, signaling the board’s readiness to move forward with the project under specified conditions.