The most notable topic of discussion was the site plan approval for a mobile food operation at Zero Littleton Road, spearheaded by Elizabeth Hamilton. The committee focused on operational details such as hours, signage, and regulatory compliance. Members debated the proposed operational hours, initially set from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but discussed expanding them to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the committee considered flexibility in operational hours, potentially allowing early mornings or late nights should these be specified in the site plan conditions. The necessity of a menu board alongside the operational flag was also addressed, emphasizing the importance of customer accessibility without impeding pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

The committee unanimously approved several waivers for the mobile food operation, bypassing requirements like a stormwater report and full traffic study, typically standard for site plan reviews but deemed unnecessary for this type of business. Notably, conditions were set to require approval from the Board of Health and specified operational dates, though some members advocated for more flexibility to accommodate potential business growth.

The meeting then shifted to the contentious issue of the guardrail installation at the Riley Jane Farm residential subdivision on Pleasant Street. Originally approved as a wooden guardrail in 2016, residents expressed dissatisfaction with the installation of a rusty highway guardrail, arguing it detracted from the neighborhood’s aesthetic and affected property values. A letter from the residents was read aloud, urging strict adherence to the original site plan. Developer CJ Moore’s email admitted discussions about alternative guardrail options but cited no formal agreements and maintained that the existing guardrail met safety standards.

The debate included technical discussions on the feasibility of installing a wooden guardrail around a curve, with board members noting that while complex, such installations exist elsewhere in town. The financial implications were also considered, with $66,442 in surety funds held by the town until project completion. The board’s decision-making process involved weighing regulatory requirements against community preferences and construction challenges.

In response to the guardrail issue, a motion was made to direct the town planner to communicate with Mr. Moore. The committee expressed gratitude to the residents for their engagement and outlined the procedural steps required for the town’s acceptance of the road, which had not yet occurred.

Further discussions at the meeting addressed easement management related to a utility project involving a water main installation. This project, requiring legislative approval due to its location on designated land, would ensure water quality through a loop system. The committee emphasized the importance of residents’ awareness of easements to prevent complications in property development.

The meeting also featured updates on the open space residential development guidelines, with efforts to finalize these documents underway. The committee identified the need for collaboration with the conservation commission to align open space preservation recommendations with planning board requirements. Upcoming meetings were planned to further discuss development projects, including the Stratton development, expected to draw significant local interest.