The primary focus was on the traffic impact study, which had been completed in June and included analysis of key intersections such as Chestnut Street with Shaker and Dwight Roads. The study concluded that the development would not impact these intersections, though it recommended adjustments to signal timing for optimal flow. Despite these assurances, community members and their representatives voiced skepticism, calling for further analysis. One resident highlighted the inadequacy of video evidence presented and requested a peer review to evaluate all aspects of the traffic impact. Concerns were raised about the experience level of truck drivers in the videos.

Residents expressed apprehension about truck traffic distribution, with detailed percentages indicating that truck movements would be evenly split between left and right turns upon exiting the site. However, concerns remained about the project’s scale and its anticipated effect on local traffic patterns, particularly at busy intersections. The need for a truck turning study was reiterated, given past public hearings that emphasized such evaluations. Board members acknowledged these concerns, discussing the potential necessity of obtaining a stormwater management permit and a zoning waiver for landscaping requirements.

During the meeting, a representative from the developer presented a revised site plan, which reduced the project’s total square footage by approximately 100,000 square feet. This alteration was aimed at increasing open space and implementing visual barriers. Despite these changes, community members continued to voice objections, pointing to the development’s proximity to residential areas and the challenges posed by increased truck traffic. A board member suggested adjusting stop lines at intersections to accommodate larger vehicles.

Further discussions highlighted the project’s potential employment impact, with estimates suggesting that once completed, the buildings could be valued at over $40 million for tax purposes. However, the exact number of jobs created would depend on the types of businesses occupying the space. Concerns were also raised about the impact on property values and the adequacy of parking and loading facilities, with figures fluctuating during the meeting. Ultimately, the board agreed to consider additional information and community feedback before proceeding with any decisions.

Public comments continued to underscore the community’s apprehension, with residents expressing fears about air quality and the safety of narrow streets during winter conditions. Suggestions for mitigating these issues included installing motion sensor lights at the bike trail and increasing shrubbery along the rail trail to improve aesthetics. The board acknowledged these concerns, committing to further analysis and engagement with residents to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the development’s potential impacts.

As the meeting progressed, the board discussed the importance of clear communication with town departments, noting past instances where critical feedback from the fire and police departments had been excluded from the public record. This led to assurances that such input would be revisited and included in future evaluations.