31:17One of the primary topics of interest was the board’s unanimous approval of a revised management plan for the property on Belchure Road, which had been under scrutiny due to a change in ownership. The applicant, represented by Donna Goolick of Kendrick Property Management, presented updated documentation, including a parking and management plan, following a request for more comprehensive oversight. The board insisted on a review of the lighting provisions to ensure compliance with night sky regulations, specifying that porch lights be downcast.

26:50Board members questioned Goolick’s familiarity with the requirement to present a management plan upon ownership transfer, noting a significant delay since the property’s acquisition. Emphasizing the importance of compliance with special permits, the board requested that Goolick review other properties managed by her firm to avoid future oversights. Acknowledging the lapse, Goolick committed to updating the management plan and ensuring it met the board’s standards.

44:18The meeting also included a discussion on the revised landscaping and drainage plans for the property, specifically the parking lot’s grading and drainage improvements. Board members, along with public commenters, scrutinized the adequacy of the proposed drainage system and the suitability of the selected plant species, including “golden mop thread leaf cypress” and “blue rug juniper,” in managing water flow. The contractor, Carl’s Excavating, was tasked with ensuring proper grading to direct water towards a catch basin, addressing previous uncontrolled water flow issues.

01:07:27Public comments raised additional concerns, particularly about the lighting and snow storage plans. Residents Ed Perkins and Susan Cummings voiced apprehensions about light pollution and snow removal logistics, respectively.

01:58:53In a decision, the ZBA also addressed the withdrawal of the Shootsbury solar project application. Attorney Tom Rey, representing the applicant, requested a withdrawal without prejudice due to insufficient board members to approve the project. The withdrawal was unanimously supported, with plans for a future resubmission to accommodate advancements in technology and market conditions. Public comments from residents like Arley Gould and Scott Cashion underscored ongoing opposition to the project and concerns about delayed biological resource surveys.

02:25:17The board subsequently handled a separate withdrawal request for a project on Salem Street, agreeing to the request following feedback and proposed improvements to visual appeal and fencing. Both withdrawal decisions were met with unanimous support, facilitating a focus on future meetings and agenda items.