A significant portion of the meeting revolved around an application concerning the subdivision of two lots on Chestnut Street. The applicant sought to maintain existing non-conformities and gain approval to build a new dwelling on Lot 12 while preserving Lot 13, which already features a single-family home. The application had been presented multiple times before, and modifications were made in response to board concerns, especially regarding stormwater management.

Residents voiced apprehensions about drainage, citing past flooding incidents that highlighted the area’s susceptibility to water runoff issues. A local resident, Paul Verer, referenced a thunderstorm on August 18, 2022, which led to significant flooding, expressing concerns over how the proposed construction could exacerbate these problems. “I’ve got pictures from that thunderstorm of the flood waters running right across that lot,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a robust stormwater management plan.

Board members stressed the necessity of addressing these concerns, with discussions focusing on the proposed modifications, including landscaping improvements and drainage easement enhancements between the lots. Despite these efforts, some residents remained skeptical about the effectiveness of the proposed measures, recalling previous board discussions that appeared to downplay the severity of the drainage issues.

The deliberation on the application revealed a divided board, with members weighing the potential benefits of development against the risks posed to the community’s water management system. Ultimately, the application required three affirmative votes to pass; however, concerns over stormwater management persisted as a central theme throughout the proceedings.

In another contentious matter, the board reviewed a proposal for a Chick-fil-A on Route 202. This marked the third hearing for the application, with discussions centered around the absence of a full bypass lane in the drive-thru area. While representatives argued that most Chick-fil-A locations operate without such a lane, board members and participants raised concerns about potential traffic congestion and emergency access.

The proposal included plans to remove a third lane and create an escape route connecting to the main access road, aimed at increasing green space and improving site aesthetics. However, board members expressed apprehensions about traffic flow and safety, particularly during peak hours. One member suggested removing parking spots to create an emergency access lane.

The representatives acknowledged these concerns and promised to return with further evidence and analysis to address the board’s and public’s apprehensions. They emphasized their commitment to balancing operational needs with safety considerations, particularly in the high-traffic area surrounding the proposed site.

The board addressed concerns about the impact of these changes on local infrastructure, particularly regarding drainage and privacy issues.