01:45:03A primary focus of the meeting was the proposed housing development on a parcel of land that includes the historic Mrs. Ellis’s house. Discussions revolved around integrating the site’s historical elements into new housing developments while fulfilling the community’s need for affordable housing. The board deliberated on three scenarios for the site, each proposing a mix of unit types while maintaining the neighborhood’s character. There was a consensus on the importance of design guidelines in the Request for Proposals (RFP) to ensure that new developments align with community aesthetics. The board expressed a preference for retaining the existing historic house, with flexibility for developers to propose new builds that reflect its architectural style.

19:25Financial implications were a concern, as the board weighed the potential need for taxpayer support to subsidize affordable housing units. Under the 40B program, at least one unit must be affordable at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or lower, with options to extend this affordability to additional units. The board discussed the feasibility of rehabilitating the historic house, expressing skepticism about its financial viability but acknowledging the historical commission’s interest in preservation.

11:20The meeting also featured the retirement recognition of Ted Keon, the town’s coastal resources director, who served since 1998. Various officials presented Keon with citations and certificates of appreciation. Keon reflected on his rewarding career in municipal government, contrasting it with his previous federal experience and expressing gratitude for the recognition.

01:00:00Community concerns about entertainment licenses for the Atwood Museum were also addressed. Residents expressed worries about the impact of concerts on the neighborhood, particularly regarding noise, parking, and safety. The board reviewed and discussed these concerns, noting a reduction in the number of proposed concerts from nine to six, with adjustments to scheduling and venue arrangements to mitigate issues.

01:26:57In other matters, the board approved updates to the Parks and Recreation rules, including a new prohibition on drone launching at public beaches. The updated regulations, reviewed for the first time since 2018, primarily involved departmental name changes but also addressed specific concerns such as parking at the pickleball courts and age restrictions for children attending beaches unaccompanied.

01:27:58The meeting concluded with discussions on fee structures for community events, emphasizing clarity and fairness. The board reviewed the fee waiver process and confirmed that requests would be routed through them after initial review by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Adjustments to the community center fee structure were discussed, including maintaining a daily rate of $1,000 but restructuring it into four-hour blocks for clarity.