The meeting commenced with a focus on the Habitat for Humanity project. The proposed subdivision, situated on Gford Street Extension, plans to transform a wooded area in an agricultural zoning district into a development featuring four single-family homes. Each home will include three bedrooms, solar readiness, and electric vehicle accommodations. These homes are designed to be affordable for families within the specified income brackets, with sales prices set at approximately $194,500 for 60% AMI units and $261,900 for 80% AMI units.

Despite the board’s review of procedural history and submitted documents, the project required several zoning bylaw waivers due to its non-compliance with density limitations and minimum lot dimension requirements. The Falmouth Affordable Housing Committee expressed unanimous support for the proposal, emphasizing the town’s recent achievement of exceeding the 10% affordable housing threshold, which includes a comprehensive permit for 300 rental units previously approved.

Key infrastructure discussions included how the new development would manage stormwater and wastewater. The homes will share a septic system, and stormwater management will involve on-site recharge through dry wells. The property’s private driveway means the town will not extend municipal services like trash pickup and snow removal. Residents will have access to a shared dumpster with the existing commercial building on the property.

The comprehensive permit came with conditions, such as a requirement for the applicant to install a fire hydrant and conduct a hydrant flow test to ensure adequate water pressure for firefighting. The applicant must also submit a regulatory agreement and affordable housing deed rider to ensure affordability is maintained indefinitely. These documents must be reviewed by the town council and recorded at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds before occupancy permits are issued.

The board addressed specific concerns and conditions related to site work, including ensuring that all uncontaminated stormwater runoff is managed on-site and that no mature trees straddling property lines are removed without mutual consent. The installation of a wayfinding sign, as well as the assignment and posting of property addresses, were also mandated as preconditions for occupancy.

In addition to the Habitat for Humanity project, the board reviewed and approved a decision concerning 163 Bay Road in North Falmouth, highlighting confidence in the decision’s alignment with board sentiments. The board also discussed mediation for a separate case.