The most development from the meeting was the board’s decision to grant Elite Holdings LLC a six-month extension for a variance previously approved for the redevelopment of 469 to 471 Maple Street. This project, originally helmed by the late Dan Corbett, was sold to Elite Holdings after his passing. The variance had been set to expire by the end of the month, but the board agreed to extend it to allow Elite Holdings to continue its plans to demolish a non-conforming three-family dwelling and construct a new multi-family structure with 15 residential units. This decision came after the representative from Elite Holdings detailed the necessary asbestos removal from the existing building prior to demolition. The board unanimously supported the extension, recognizing the delays caused by the change in project leadership.

In conjunction with the Maple Street redevelopment, the board also discussed a rail trail that could be incorporated into the project to benefit the town. While the planning board had already approved the site plan in March, the demolition work has been ongoing, primarily focusing on asbestos abatement. The board members raised no objections to the extension, leading to a swift vote in favor of granting it.

In another notable agenda item, the board addressed the ongoing expansion project on Newbury Street, where Teamr Properties LLC plans to increase the number of mobile homes from 72 to 96 within the highway corridor zone. Although no site work had begun as of the meeting date, Nancy McCan, representing the property owner, provided updates on the project’s timeline, estimating commencement in April with a six-month completion plan. The board had previously reduced the proposed number of additional mobile homes, resulting in a required update to the site plan. McCan assured the board that site cleanup and replacement of older units were underway, with a new unit already installed. The board considered safety concerns, such as a fire road and its gate, and agreed to work with the planning department and fire department to finalize these details during the site plan process.

Additional cases reviewed during the meeting included requests for special permits to construct extended family living areas. Francis and Nancy Gaffney sought approval for a 980-square-foot addition at One Westwind Drive to accommodate their son, a police detective, and his family. The Gaffneys emphasized that the new construction would reduce the number of rooms in their home from eight to three, addressing concerns about the addition’s size. They also highlighted neighborhood support for the project. The board approved the special permit, finding that the proposal met all necessary setbacks and requirements, aside from the size aspect.

Similarly, Jennifer Bertelli and her husband requested a special permit to convert their basement into a 620-square-foot in-law suite on PID Avenue. The conversion aimed to create a living area for aging parents who wished to return to the area. Bertelli detailed the renovation plans, focusing on safety improvements like an enhanced stairwell and emergency egress. The board supported the permit, noting compliance with zoning regulations except for the lot size, and approved it without opposition.

Finally, the board considered a request related to a property on PBD Avenue, where the owners planned modifications while managing a temporary storage container. The container was being used during the construction phase, as the basement storage was unavailable. The board discussed the necessary distance of new sheds from the property line and compliance with zoning bylaws regarding the container’s presence. The owners assured the board they would remove the container by May, aligning with the project’s anticipated completion. The board approved the special permit, allowing the container to remain beyond the typical 60-day period, provided it was not visible from the street.