During the meeting, the proposed mixed-use overlay for University Drive emerged as the most contentious and complex subject. The overlay aims to transform the area into a vibrant, urban environment conducive to both residential living and commercial activities. It is a marked shift from the initial student housing overlay to one that encourages diverse applications, including requirements for non-residential use on ground floors.

The committee grappled with the intricacies of the overlay’s execution. The width of the right of way, setback requirements, and the impact on walkability due to the wider street were debated. There were also concerns about the potential oversaturation of commercial spaces in mixed-use buildings and the need for regulations to prevent the future conversion of residential spaces into commercial ones.

Another issue was the overlay’s potential impact on existing senior housing and nursing homes. With the possibility of incentivizing property owners to sell or develop six-story apartments, there was apprehension over the displacement of current residents and the changing character of the community. The committee discussed amending the inclusionary zoning regulations to ensure a certain percentage of affordable units in new developments.

Public outreach and engagement were also topics of concern. Questions were raised about the extent of efforts to solicit public feedback beyond standard public comment processes and the importance of engaging with local businesses and residents to maintain the unique character of the community.

The readiness of the planning board’s proposal for the Town Council was a point of confusion during the meeting. There were differing interpretations of the planning board’s stance, and the necessity for joint conversations between the CRC and the planning board before any referrals were made was underscored.

In parallel with discussions on the overlay district, the meeting addressed the impact of the state’s new climate bill on local solar bylaw development. The state has taken permitting authority for solar facilities over 25 megawatts and is establishing guidelines for a consolidated local permitting process for smaller facilities. One member suggested that while awaiting state-level regulations, the town should focus on encouraging solar projects in desired locations.

The potential for form-based zoning and the draft right of way standards were also debated. The committee was divided over whether these standards should be mandatory or function as guidelines, and if they should apply uniformly across different areas. The composition and transparency of stakeholder groups contributing to these discussions were scrutinized, with a call for clarity on the process of joining such groups and on making project information available to the public.

The downtown design guidelines, under development with the assistance of consulting firm Dodson and Flinker, were another focal point. The firm has been engaging with a 40-person working group and the broader public through workshops, visual preference surveys, and online comment forms. The guidelines will address architectural standards, facade treatments, and right-of-way standards, with a multi-day public forum scheduled for September to gather additional input.