The primary focus of the meeting was a public hearing on a definitive subdivision plan for a property on Croll Road, proposed by Cadam Max Holdings LLC. Represented by land surveyor Terry Eldridge, the application included a plan for three proposed lots, invoking a “panhandle option” for access. This option, which uses a narrower driveway instead of direct road access, drew scrutiny from board members. Eldridge asserted that the driveway width complied with town bylaws and was adequate for the expected traffic. However, board members expressed concerns that the driveway might need to meet roadway standards.

The board debated whether the plan should adhere to stricter regulations required for private ways, with one member proposing a revision of the access point to comply with these standards. Eldridge clarified that the application was a definitive subdivision plan, not an Approval Not Required (ANR), which influenced the regulatory requirements. Additionally, the absence of an official lease agreement for parking spaces on Croll Road was highlighted, as Eldridge confirmed no formal lease had been executed.

Discussions revealed legal uncertainties surrounding the preliminary plan, which had not been filed properly according to Massachusetts General Law for commercial land use. This led board members to question the legality of proceeding with the current application. The meeting concluded with a motion to continue the discussion at the next meeting on September 29th, allowing the applicant time to address these concerns.

In another significant agenda item, the board addressed a request to release a covenant and statement of conditions associated with lot 105 on Reynolds Circle. The covenant, which had not been recorded with the land court, created complications for the current lot owner, Mr. Zippo, who intended to sell the property. Board members deliberated whether releasing both lot 105 and the adjacent lot 102 from the covenant would simplify the situation. Ultimately, a motion was passed to approve the release, resolving the issue stemming from the covenant’s unrecorded status.

The meeting also featured a proposal from a local restaurant, operated by Pandem, seeking site plan approval for expanding outdoor seating on Carl Road. The expansion required a modification of their liquor license to permit outdoor alcohol service. However, the proposal faced challenges due to the restaurant’s reliance on parking spaces at a nearby lot without a formal easement. Board members requested a comprehensive seating plan and a detailed parking table to better understand the current and proposed seating capacity and associated parking needs. Concerns about safety prompted suggestions for installing bollards to protect patrons seated outside from vehicles. The board decided to delay approval, allowing the applicant to gather additional information.