During the meeting, discussions on the town’s snow and ice budget revealed prudent financial planning, with the Department of Public Works (DPW) managing to cover the costs through salary savings and other budgetary adjustments. This efficiency negated the need to tap into the town’s reserve funds.

The board engaged in a discussion on draft ground floor commercial incentive guidelines, a key component of the affordable housing bylaw aimed at fostering ground floor commercial space investment. Senior planner Maria Melli presented the guidelines, which sparked debate over the 70% area median income (AMI) cap for rental units and the potential for developers to contribute to the Housing Trust Fund in lieu of providing units at higher AMIs. The guidelines are designed to benefit landlords and tenants by reducing vacancy periods and diversifying offerings for various income levels.

An issue arose during public comments when attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the planned location for the Juneteenth celebration, a spot with historical ties to slavery. Speakers called for equitable fund allocation to the black community and better opportunities for black leaders to engage with youth. The board also acknowledged a successful fundraiser for the Brookline Community Mental Health Center and highlighted the town’s introduction of a housing case inquiry portal to address housing affordability challenges.

The meeting continued with a detailed examination of the formula for determining supplemental cash payments for affordable housing units. The board discussed various affordable housing income levels and their impact on ground floor commercial investment. Rising construction costs and the need for developers to upgrade retail spaces to meet specific requirements were also topics of concern. The board considered using letters of credit to ensure developers adhere to the Ground Floor Commercial Investment Program, which aims to support independent businesses and ensure affordable housing continuity.

The financial model for multifamily projects was scrutinized, especially concerning interest rate sensitivity. This discussion led to a broader conversation about zoning changes along Harvard Street and the overall attractiveness of development projects in Brookline.

A noise bylaw waiver hearing for the Coolidge Corner Theater highlighted the need to conduct utility work in the evening to minimize disruption. The board addressed concerns about the impact on nearby residential properties and restaurants, ultimately approving the waiver request.

The presentation of the Water and Sewer Department’s financial plan was a focal point, with the department achieving a lower than forecasted rate increase thanks to effective cost management. The rate study process, aiming for long-term sustainability, recommended a 3.5% increase in water and sewer rates. The inclining block rate structure for single-family residential customers and a uniform volumetric rate for others were part of the strategy to ensure steady rate increases and maintain reserve funds for unforeseen expenses. However, a community member challenged the characterization of Brookline as a “low burden” community, citing a report on the financial vulnerability of residents, which prompted a discussion on the broader affordability issues in the town.

Additionally, the Select Board approved a noise bylaw waiver for the MBTA K5 Corporation to conduct night pavement marking installation for the Gateway East bus pilot project. Concerns were raised about the potential noise levels and their impact on residents, with assurances that the town regularly conducts such work overnight to mitigate daytime traffic disruptions.

Finally, a divisive discussion took place regarding a proposal by Mike Sandman to sponsor a facilitated public conversation on the impact of the Middle East events on Brookline residents. The proposal sparked debate over the language used in the select board resolution and the willingness of petitioners to engage in mediated conversations.