The board initially tackled the topic of a 41-acre solar array project proposed by WT WD CS Inc. The applicant’s representative requested to extend the hearing to January 23, 2024. This decision came after confirming the availability of all members.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the mixed-income housing project proposed by Wayfinders Inc. This development includes 31 rental units on Southeast Street and units on Belter Town Road. The board reviewed a comprehensive permit request under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B, which allows for certain zoning flexibility in exchange for building affordable housing. Discussions revealed a need to address nearly 100 conditions set by the staff, with an emphasis on waiver requests concerning various zoning restrictions.

The board scrutinized several waiver requests related to zoning bylaws. Among these requests, the board considered a waiver needed to allow multifamily units on a single lot, and another related to construction within 100 feet of a FEMA flood zone. The latter was favorably viewed, pending approval from the Conservation Commission.

Lighting plans for the project received considerable attention, following previous critiques regarding excessive brightness. The applicant revised their lighting designs to reduce light trespass onto neighboring properties, achieving a more uniform distribution of light. The board discussed these adjustments in detail, including technical specifications such as a threshold of 0.1 foot candles for light trespass, a level above which could lead to issues.

Parking management was another topic, especially concerning the Belter Town Road site, which offers 52 parking spaces for 47 units. The board raised concerns about non-residents using the parking lot due to its proximity to a bus stop. Additionally, the board explored the logistics of trash disposal and snow removal, prompting a need for clearer management plans to accommodate residents’ needs effectively.

Waivers relating to signage and development regulations sparked debate, particularly concerning compliance with zoning bylaws. The board considered waivers for temporary project signage and site plan reviews.

Beyond the signage issue, the board confronted a controversial “catchall waiver” request, which intended to cover any minor corrections without needing further board review.

As the meeting drew to a close, the discussion turned to the project’s heating capacity in extreme weather conditions and the limited parking availability. Concerns about the heating system’s capacity to handle temperatures as low as negative twenty degrees were addressed, with assurances of supplemental heating options being available. Parking remained a concern, with only 14 spaces available for a project of this size, raising questions about street parking and the potential need for residential parking restrictions.