The board’s decision to prefer in-person meetings was reached after weighing the advantages of enhanced interaction and engagement against the convenience of virtual attendance. This decision aims to accommodate the potential for larger crowds at future hearings and to address the logistics of such gatherings. The board’s calendar was set with specific dates for the remainder of the year, and the reorganization meeting was scheduled for January 21st, with the stipulation that meetings could be held either in person or online as needed.

Attention then shifted to a public hearing involving the application for the construction of a new single-family house on Birch Avenue, following a delay in the Liberty Farm Dogs application due to the applicants’ absence. The board deemed the 51 Birch Avenue application complete and engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the technical aspects of the proposed plan, including stormwater management, street improvements, and the need for a certificate of continued non-conformity. Public testimony was also a part of the proceedings, with a member of the public offering insights into the long-standing nature of the existing properties.

The board also scrutinized a joint application for the creation of a new lot and the potential merging of a portion of one lot with the other. During this process, the board reviewed a colorized radius map to ensure visibility for all attendees and confirmed that no variances were requested for the new lot.

Further discussions revolved around the historical usage and current status of certain highlighted multi-family homes in an exhibit presented during the meeting. The board inquired about neighboring properties, focusing on a rear structure with a history of mixed commercial and residential use, parking arrangements, and the potential effects of changes to side yards on adjacent homeowners.

A professional planner provided testimony in support of the proposed subdivision to permit the construction of the new single-family home. The planner outlined the suitability for expansion and special reasons for the land use, addressing the required variances for setbacks and impervious cover. The planner highlighted environmental compliance and the benefits of the development, such as supporting the downtown area and reducing vehicle travel. After a brief recess, the planner continued to discuss the negative criteria for the variances and how the project aligned with the town’s zoning policies and goals.

The proposal for the new single-family house prompted extensive debate among the board members. They contemplated the project’s consistency with the town’s master plan and its potential impact on the public good and the neighborhood’s character. Concerns were raised about the loss of green space and the intensification of non-conforming use. The board considered potential conditions for approval, including parking restrictions and the preservation of green space.

The meeting also touched upon other applications, such as an upcoming proposal for a property on Liberty Farm Road that required revisions and re-noticing, and a historical property that the board did not consider complete. The board expressed appreciation for the chairman and the board administrative officer’s flexibility in allowing participation via Zoom. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.