The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation of the 2025 Open Space and Recreation Plan by Alexandra Veio, the town’s director of sustainability and natural resources. Veio emphasized the plan’s role as a guiding document for Brookline’s future development and conservation efforts. This ninth iteration of the plan was described as the most comprehensive to date, reflecting input from over 15 boards and commissions. The extensive collaboration involved in its creation was acknowledged, with Marcus Quigley of the Conservation Commission and a Select Board member co-chairing the effort. Veio highlighted the plan’s capacity to qualify the town for critical state and federal grants, which support local parks and recreation projects.

However, a procedural issue arose when a board member noted that a vote on the plan’s adoption was not listed on the agenda. Veio acknowledged that the vote could be postponed, allowing the board more time to consider the document, which spans 275 pages and includes community needs, goals, and actions. Alex Cassie, the conservation and natural resources manager, further detailed the plan’s development, which included public outreach and the establishment of subcommittees focusing on transportation, resource protection, and zoning. The plan’s holistic approach aims to address the diverse needs of Brookline’s community while ensuring the town remains eligible for funding.

In addition to the Open Space Plan, the board delved into the complexities of Brookline’s tax system. With a tax classification public hearing on the horizon, the board discussed the implications of the residential exemption and tax shift policies. The chief assessor presented data showing a modest increase in property values, with residential properties rising by 2.7% and commercial properties by 0.5%. The town’s new growth was noted as significant, driven by a focus on personal property assessments.

The discussion brought to light concerns about the fairness of the tax burden distribution, particularly the residential exemption, which impacts lower-valued properties like affordable condos. Board members debated the potential effects of adjusting the residential exemption percentage, considering the broader implications for residents and the equity of the tax system. The conversation acknowledged that only 18 communities in Massachusetts use a residential exemption, raising questions about its suitability for Brookline.

Further discussions during the meeting addressed zoning amendments and a proposed bylaw regarding nuisance lighting. The board reviewed updates to a bylaw aimed at regulating outdoor lighting to prevent disturbances in residential areas. The proposed regulations sparked debate about enforcement and the potential impacts on wildlife and public spaces. The board considered various stakeholder perspectives, including the possibility of involving public bodies like the parks and recreation commission in enforcement.

The meeting also touched on digital community displays operated by SUFFA, with board members debating the service’s effectiveness and data privacy concerns. A proposal to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) was considered to encourage competition and improve the service’s functionality. Board members expressed differing opinions on the value of digital displays in public spaces, with some suggesting alternatives to the current service if it could be enhanced.