Townsend Planning Board Questions Dumpster Placement and Reviews Zoning Bylaws for Age-Restricted Development

Overview: During the Townsend Planning Board meeting on August 12, 2024, the board focused on several issues, including the placement of dumpsters in a proposed age-restricted housing development and the implications of recent state legislation on local zoning bylaws. The meeting also deliberated on the Affordable Homes Act and its impact on zoning and local housing matters.

Townsend Planning Board Deliberates Project Delays and Permit Extensions

Overview: The Townsend Planning Board’s recent meeting was marked by intense deliberation surrounding significant project delays, a contested engineering rework, and the extension of a special permit. The board faced challenges with a contracted engineer’s work on a site plan that contained mistakes, necessitating a comprehensive re-submission of documents for review, and debated the merits of extending a special permit for a building project.

Townsend Board Debates Zoning for Multifamily Housing

Overview: In a recent Townsend Planning Board meeting, discussions unfolded surrounding proposed zoning changes aimed at introducing new multifamily overlay districts, which could reshape the town’s housing landscape. These changes include defining the boundaries of these districts, setting density restrictions, and adjusting development standards. Additionally, the meeting addressed the appointment of a new associate member, the introduction of zoning bylaw amendments, and revisions to parking standards for multifamily dwellings.

Townsend Planning Board Grapples with Affordable Housing and Zoning Regulations

Overview: In a recent Townsend Planning Board meeting, significant time was dedicated to addressing the complexities of affordable housing, the state’s mandate on multifamily housing in the MBTA district, and the intricacies of zoning regulations. These issues took precedence over other topics due to their substantial impact on the town’s development and adherence to state mandates. The board also discussed the appointment of Charles Sederian as an associate member, the review of a public hearing for storm water management at West Meadow Road, and the transition of transportation services to an on-call system.

Townsend Planning Board Grapples with Stormwater Management Issues

Overview: The Townsend Planning Board’s meeting on May 20th centered around the continuation of a hearing for a major stormwater management permit application for 108 and West Meadow Road. The meeting saw the board navigate legal reviews, property owner concerns, and the intricacies of easements and maintenance responsibilities, which will require further discussion in a subsequent meeting. Additionally, the board shared the positive development of Townsend’s inclusion in the UPW grant program and addressed administrative matters such as appointments and upcoming reviews of the master plan and bylaws.