The proposed development by Christian Meet in the Middle LLC on Middle Road garnered attention. The project envisions a single-story commercial storage building within the 100-foot buffer zone of a bordering vegetated wetland. Concerns arose around the proximity of the equipment storage area to the wetlands, with a commission member voicing apprehensions about potential leaks and spills. Chris Vanderberg, representing the applicant, emphasized that the equipment storage would be set back from the 25-foot no-touch buffer. Despite these assurances, the commission decided to conduct a site visit on March 21 to assess the proposed location and ensure environmental safety. The building and equipment yard will be clearly staked for inspection. The hearing for this project was continued to the March 25 meeting.

Another proposal was presented by MD South Coast Properties LLC for the construction of three duplex buildings on Middle Road. This development also falls within the 100-foot buffer zone of a vegetative wetland, and the project involves building within the 200-foot riverfront boundary of the Kushner River. The commission noted that the first two duplexes are largely within the buffer zone, with one nearly 70% inside, while the third is about 50% within. A drainage pond is included in the plan to manage stormwater runoff, and utilities like sewer and gas lines are slated to be installed behind the buildings, outside the buffer zones.

The developers currently lack a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) file number, and a peer review by Mel Associates is pending. The commission scheduled a site visit for April 4 to further evaluate the project, with a follow-up at the April 8 meeting to discuss any updates. The members engaged in light-hearted banter about April weather unpredictability, recalling past snowfalls during early April.

In other business, the commission addressed a demolition review on Main Street. Julia, an agent, reported that the wetlands, approximately 140 feet from the site, did not fall under the commission’s jurisdiction, allowing the demolition to proceed. A motion was made for Julia to sign off on the demolition permit, which passed unanimously.

Another issue concerned work completed on Hathaway Road, where correspondence from Kevin McHugh suggested the applicant file for an after-the-fact Notice of Intent (NOI) due to jurisdictional concerns under the Wetlands Protection Act. The commission agreed, allowing 30 days for the applicant to secure an engineer and file the necessary paperwork.

The meeting concluded with agent updates, where Julia reported ongoing difficulties in obtaining town-issued cell phones and laptops. Despite multiple follow-ups, the requests had yet to be fulfilled, prompting a discussion on the importance of such equipment for site visit safety. The commission considered escalating the issue to higher town governance to ensure resolution.