Central to the meeting’s agenda was the proposed zoning map amendment ordinance to extend the WTOD district. This extension is set to expand the district from the easterly side of Deval Street to the westerly side of North Main Street and northerly from the easterly side of North Main Street to the Taunton River. The board members examined the potential impact of the proposed extension on the city. Concerns were raised regarding the specificity of the ordinance and the standards set for future approvals. One member pointed out the unique challenges the city faces due to the scarcity of vacant land within its limits, which often leads to complex zoning situations involving existing structures.

After thorough discussion, the board concluded with a motion to approve the proposed WTOD district extension. A member, whose name is not disclosed, framed the motion, which was seconded and approved, to endorse the plan as it had already received variance by the CPA (Community Preservation Act).

In another major point of the meeting, the city planner/engineer addressed the board regarding an application for endorsement of a plan believed not to require approval for properties located at 100 and Northern Avenue and Seabrook Street. The planner/engineer highlighted that the plan did not meet the requirements for endorsement and that previously requested revisions had not been fulfilled. Consequently, the board motioned to reject the plan due to non-compliance.

Additionally, the board reviewed two more applications for endorsement of plans not requiring approval, for properties on Chicago Street and 74-78 Pail Street. The city planner/engineer recommended the endorsement of both plans. Despite this, concerns were voiced by a board member about the constant back-and-forth between the zoning board and the planning board, questioning the effectiveness of current zoning requirements. In response, the city planner/engineer elaborated on the zoning history and the role of the zoning board of appeals in granting variances. Ultimately, the board approved the endorsement of both plans.

The board also revisited a proposed map amendment on the north side of Walnut Street. They had previously voted on this issue and were asked to reaffirm that vote and make a recommendation to the city council to accept or deny the amendment. The board, after a joint meeting with the city council and a public hearing at which the director of engineering and planning provided a detailed overview of the amendment, voted to recommend the draft ordinance for approval to the city council.

Discussions during the meeting also touched on the acceptance of the Bradford Derry Textile School, the notice of application for the South Coast Rail Improvement project, and the nomination of the Home for the Aged People and Wyoming Mills for the National Register of Historical Places.