At the forefront of the meeting was the presentation and discussion regarding the project on Billerica Road. Representatives from DH Holdings and Company, alongside Douglas Des Shan from Fer and Nicholson, sought to clarify three issues concerning the project’s modifications: the peer review from Beta, elevation-related questions, and the scope and cost of a third-party construction overview. Howard S. Hudson’s Casey Ferrero presented exhibits addressing the excavation extent and the potential impact of raising the site uniformly by one foot. It was highlighted that such a raise would result in a minimal difference in excavation within the regulated zone but increase fill volume and construction impacts. The board probed the cost implications, which were estimated to involve an additional $250,000 to $300,000, and the need for more trucks, fueling a debate on the project’s practicality and financial feasibility.

Further accentuating the commitment to environmental concerns, the board discussed the installation of jellyfish structures for managing roof runoff. Questions arose regarding the cost and maintenance of these systems.

The housing policy discourse was marked by a debate on the implications of ADUs for the town’s infrastructure, particularly schools and sewage systems. The members exchanged differing viewpoints on the necessity of additional housing and its affordability. Some advocated for incentivizing corporations to relocate to areas with more available housing, while others underscored the importance of maintaining owner occupancy requirements for ADUs. The conversation extended to the impact of private equity on housing and the need for a plan to address Chelmsford’s housing issues.

Furthering the housing conversation, the board deliberated on the potential consequences of transforming the town’s character by allowing the construction of micro homes and the elimination of single-family housing zoning. This debate encompassed concerns about the effectiveness of current regulations, the definition of “reasonable regulation,” and the challenges posed by adding a second detached dwelling unit on smaller lots, including potential legal and real estate transferability issues.

In terms of governance, the board unanimously voted to request the select board add an agenda item to clarify the town’s role in disseminating factual information about a potential special election. This decision came after a discussion on whether it was the planning board’s or the select board’s responsibility to lead the effort. The planning board emphasized the need for factual information dissemination and forming a special committee for the effort.

The meeting also touched on the logistics of the potential special election, with the clerk’s office suggesting June 4th as a possible date and the possibility of the select board holding a special meeting on June 3rd. Discrepancies concerning the deadline for gathering signatures for the MBTA warrant article and conflicting information about the deadline, either Thursday or Friday, were also noted during the discussion.

The liaison updates provided insights into the activities of other town committees. The Conservation Commission discussed tightening policies and procedures for their hearings and creating a document repository for project information. The Master Plan Committee planned stakeholder engagement, and the Center Village committee considered hosting a Municipal open house at the public library. Positive feedback was received from the Board of Health liaison, commending the Board of Health for their cooperative efforts in requesting a phase to be performed sooner and a peer review of a hydrogeologic study.

Finally, the meeting concluded with an action related to the ADUs — the chair suggested edits for an ADU letter to be reviewed by legal counsel, with members agreeing to finalize and circulate it for signatures at the next meeting.