The application for the sewer pump station, presented by the director of public works and a representative from GHD, requested a dimensional variance to reduce the setback from a required 25 feet to 10.5 feet. This request was pivotal due to the station’s location, which required careful consideration of wetland boundaries and environmental protections. The project’s estimated cost stood at around $2 million, a figure indicative of its scope and complexity.

The board deliberated on the project’s environmental and logistical aspects. Measures to protect the wetlands, including preserving a boundary of trees and implementing erosion controls, were highlighted. The presenters plans for stormwater management improvements, aiming to treat runoff before entering the wetlands, thereby minimizing ecological impact. Additionally, federal restrictions on tree clearing due to bat habitats required the project to adhere to specific timelines, limiting clearing activities to winter months.

Public feedback was notably absent, with no objections raised during the meeting. However, board member David Nixon expressed concerns over the necessity of the pump station’s construction sequence, questioning the rationale for prioritizing this station before finalizing other locations in the area. The public works director clarified that the station was a componet for the overall wastewater system and argued that its construction would facilitate further development.

Following a discussion, the board appeared to reach a consensus supporting the variance, acknowledging the project’s alignment with community needs and environmental considerations despite concerns about timing and order of implementation. The board members emphasized that the proposed measures would comply with local bylaws and would not detract from their intent.

The meeting also included deliberations on a dimensional variance for a swimming pool and fence on Morris Island Road. The application faced both support and opposition from neighbors and local representatives. Supporters praised the Clarks’ efforts to improve the aesthetic and functional aspects of their property, while opponents raised concerns about the precedent set by constructing pools in flood-prone areas.

In defense, the Clarks argued that changes to flood elevation regulations had impacted their buildable land, necessitating the variance. The board scrutinized the proposal against local regulations, with some members questioning whether the proposal met the hardship criteria required for a variance. Ultimately, the board decided against the pool application, citing the recent bylaw change and the lack of demonstrable hardship.

Additionally, the meeting featured a proposal to convert a garage into a family room on Dair Street. The board unanimously supported this application, recognizing the benefits it would bring to the family and the neighborhood, and commended the applicants for their adherence to zoning criteria.

The board also tackled a unique proposal involving the partial demolition and reconstruction of a non-conforming dwelling on Cut Pinikut Road. The project aimed to preserve a historic barn while modernizing the property. Board members appreciated the effort to retain elements of local history, despite some concerns over the scale of the proposed new structure. The board approved the application, emphasizing its compatibility with neighborhood character.