The centerpiece of the meeting was the detailed presentation by a representative of Graz Engineering, who introduced plans for a 16-lot subdivision located at the Town Line between Templeton and Gardner. This subdivision is planned to consist of duplexes, with the entrance situated in Templeton and the development itself within Gardner. The proposal included connecting to the sewer system and implementing a water main that would run cross-country to integrate with the existing water supply. The representative confirmed that plans had been revised to address concerns previously raised by both the review and city engineers. Despite the absence of the review engineer at the meeting, the representative assured the board that outstanding items had been resolved.

The presentation elaborated on drainage designs, crucial for managing stormwater on the site. A new catch basin was introduced to prevent water from flowing onto Patriots Road, a concern addressed by MassDOT. With a plan to seek MassDOT permitting after the meeting, the proposal included specifics about the street drainage system and the layout of the development, such as a common mailbox area and a strategically positioned road high point to facilitate water flow into infiltration basins. The representative noted that the drainage design accounted for over four times the required recharge volume for the first basin, expressing confidence in its effectiveness.

Additionally, the project sought two waivers, including a modification to the sump requirements in the drainage manholes. The representative argued that a 3-foot sump was outdated, advocating for a 4-foot sump as a more modern and commonly accepted practice. The need for a traffic study was highlighted, with adjustments made to reflect the new development’s scope. Two potential scenarios for connecting the water main to Route 2A were discussed.

Concerns about stormwater management standards were raised in a peer review letter, with the representative asserting that the methods for infiltration testing were adequate. The representative also acknowledged recommendations for changes to the construction sequencing, including site clearing, and emphasized the design’s compliance with the Massachusetts stormwater handbook for a 100-year storm event. The necessity for conditions related to riprap sizing and the provision of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) before construction was noted.

As the meeting progressed, the discussion shifted to the Compass Road Project, which underwent a review focusing on safety and traffic concerns. A senior project manager presented a site traffic impact assessment, reviewed by a peer team, which concluded that the site access would operate safely and efficiently. Given that the site access would connect to a state highway, further evaluation by MassDOT would be required.

Concerns were expressed about the project’s access, especially regarding the safety of the intersection and sightlines for vehicles. A member from the Templeton planning board highlighted inadequacies in the design that could lead to dangerous conditions, stressing the necessity for additional safety measures. Questions arose about the accuracy of the traffic study data, collected amid nearby construction, potentially skewing findings.

Further issues discussed included fire access, with assurances that the proposed turnaround area would accommodate a ladder truck, meeting subdivision regulation standards. The plan also addressed the need for a 50-foot construction entrance, clarified in updated documents to prevent dirt and debris from contaminating the roadway.

Erosion controls and operational hours were discussed, with work typically restricted to Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 4 or 5 PM. Plans to install a gate at the access road’s end, referred to as The Cue Saac, aimed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access to undeveloped areas.