The new licenses for the boutique liquor store and the Korean barbecue restaurant mark a notable expansion in the town’s commercial offerings. The boutique liquor store, In-N-Out Variety, highlighted their successful track record with no prior complaints or violations and emphasized their effective point of sale system designed to prevent underage sales. The store’s application was approved with the condition of including the supervisor’s full name in the employment information. The Korean barbecue restaurant, soon to begin construction, had its license approved with a seating capacity limit set by the planning board.

Discussions also touched upon a pocket license currently held by an LLC awaiting commercial financing, with construction anticipated to start in 60 days. The board received quarterly updates on the status of the license and discussed the need for further updates or a possible appearance by the applicant to clarify the situation.

The meeting then covered the allocation of ARPA funds. With $99.75 million already allocated to 57 projects, the board considered three new project requests, including an oil water separator at the fire mechanics garage, a groundwater and drinking water protection gap analysis, and a feasibility study for connecting to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for additional sewer capacity. These projects, estimated at $150,000, would be funded from the approximately $827,000 in remaining unallocated ARPA funds. The board weighed the urgency and potential impact of these projects against the need to conserve funds for other proposed projects.

The possibility of modifying the 255 Princeton Street development agreement arose due to concerns identified by the state related to capacity, affordability, and age restrictions. The town was 77 units below compliance, the affordability level exceeded the required 10% at 15%, and the age restriction conflicted with regulations. An amendment to the agreement was recommended to address these issues. The discussion included the potential impact of mitigation payments on the town and the need for revenue-neutral changes for the Chelmsford Housing Authority’s Choice program.

The board also engaged in a debate over proposed zoning changes and the impact of the Windamir project’s density and zoning. Concerns were raised about the timing of presenting the proposal at town meeting without final approval from the state. The Planning Board presented their strategy to minimize impacts, noting the low risk of amending the development agreement.

Residents voiced skepticism about the state’s handling of the changes and the potential consequences for the town.

Further discussions included the town’s operating and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

The board also discussed the Sewer Enterprise fund operating budget, which showed an increase for the upcoming fiscal year, and a request for funds to upgrade the Kensington Road Pump Station as part of a 10-year Capital Improvement plan. Additionally, the purchase of a flush truck and a camera truck were approved to support the sewer and stormwater divisions, respectively.