The most contentious topic of the meeting was Beehive’s proposal for a mixed-use development on Bill R. Road. Beehive aims to transform a historically significant office building into a centralized hub for contractors and small businesses, incorporating 33 contractor shops and 35 workforce housing apartments. The project is designed to support tradespeople by providing affordable housing and shared amenities such as a mailroom, conference rooms, and laundry facilities. Beehive’s CEO presented the vision of consolidating multiple trades under one roof, highlighting the project’s potential to provide an economical launchpad for local businesses.

However, the proposal met with mixed reactions. Concerns were raised about the compatibility of residential units above industrial spaces, particularly regarding noise and safety issues. The project plan includes nine affordable units, adhering to local zoning codes requiring that 50% be affordable. Some board members questioned whether the business model aligns with the town’s planning objectives and community expectations. One member suggested that the project might be better received if it included traditional community amenities like retail or restaurant spaces, which could add value to the neighborhood.

The board also discussed the affordability requirements within the inclusionary housing bylaw. Chelmsford has yet to achieve the 10% affordability threshold, sparking a debate on whether the current state standards are too high for a suburban community. One member proposed benchmarking affordability requirements against other comparable communities. However, concerns were voiced about lowering the percentages too much, emphasizing the need for affordable housing units. The discussion also touched on whether the board should promote housing production given the current lack of infrastructure, particularly schools.

Another topic was the ongoing sewer system issues. The town chair expressed concerns about the increasing reliance on septic systems due to local sewer limitations, warning that this shift could negatively impact water quality. The Department of Public Works (DPW) Wastewater restrictions do allow waivers, contingent upon a public health crisis determination by the Board of Health. Updates on managing inflow and infiltration (I/I) issues were provided, noting that the town was systematically sealing off problematic manholes to manage capacity.

The meeting also addressed the administrative review of a certificate of lot release for a property on Grand View Road. The board discussed the property’s history and the necessity of notarizing the release document in person to facilitate a real estate transaction. All outstanding issues were resolved, allowing the subdivision to be closed out.

Additionally, the planning board evaluated a proposal from Viking Development LLC for a property on North Road, which involved adjustments to the site plan to add seven parking spaces. The modifications focused on maintaining landscaping, lighting, and circulation standards, with a designated snow storage area included in the updated plan.

A revised traffic impact assessment was presented for a project on Hilder Street. The applicant suggested that widening the roadway to 18 feet would suffice in lieu of constructing sidewalks, a proposal that was met with safety concerns from a town meeting representative. The board debated the implications of not including sidewalks, given the increased traffic and safety issues identified in previous studies.

In the final discussions, the board deliberated on a proposed project involving a 16,000 square foot building in a residential neighborhood. Public comment highlighted concerns about the project’s reasonableness and its impact on traffic and pedestrian safety. The board considered imposing conditions to mitigate potential issues, such as limiting operational hours and conducting traffic or safety reviews after the facility becomes operational.