A major point of contention arose around a proposal for a 7,200 square foot storage building on Elm Street. The plans for this industrial zone project included stormwater management systems designed to handle substantial rainfall. Despite assurances from the project representative that the design met all necessary regulations, local residents expressed skepticism. Concerns centered on the extensive land clearance required for construction and its potential effects on neighborhood water infiltration. Residents questioned whether clearing such a large area could affect water flow under a nearby dam, with one individual questioning the project’s implications for nearby properties. The representative reiterated that the project’s design accounted for these factors.

Public comments highlighted a perceived lack of communication with planning offices, with one resident expressing a desire for more comprehensive information about the development’s implications. The representative acknowledged these concerns and suggested that unresolved issues could be further addressed with the planning board, emphasizing ongoing collaboration.

Another topic involved a notice of intent application for construction activities at Zero Horton Street. This proposal, led by Frank Luongo and represented by Attorney Robert Frederick, aimed to build a driveway accessing a residential home and manage stormwater discharge. The design had been adjusted following feedback from the fire department, necessitating a change in the driveway’s turnaround to accommodate emergency vehicles. The commission unanimously approved the motion to issue an order of conditions for this project.

Environmental considerations also dominated discussions regarding a property on Smith Street, where a wetland violation had been identified. The Board and a consultant deliberated on the necessity of confirming the presence of vernal pools before proceeding with any landscaping or construction activities. A resident expressed frustration over the delays, noting that water accumulation during rain events had led to water entering their basement.

In addition to these projects, the Board heard concerns from another resident about a gravel deposit placed near a stream, potentially leading to contamination of the Sarraansit River. The resident argued that the garage on their property had not been newly constructed but had merely received new siding.

The meeting also covered a proposal from Kevin and Alexandre Messier to construct a studio on William Street, which required a continuance to incorporate a deck into the plan. This approach was deemed efficient, consolidating requests to streamline the approval process.

As the meeting continued, residents raised additional concerns about unauthorized work on several properties, including unauthorized tree removal and construction activities near wetland areas.