05:11The meeting began with an in-depth examination of the Hilder Lane subdivision proposal, which involved a request for a variance to allow a common driveway serving two lots. Don Bracken from Bracken Engineering, alongside attorney David Henig, presented the proposal, emphasizing the need to amend the previously approved plan from five buildable lots to four, citing environmental constraints. A key issue was the impact on wetlands and flood zones, which had led to the withdrawal of the initial plan after consultations with the Conservation Commission.

Henig detailed the necessity of the variance, highlighting the unique size of the lots—six and eleven acres respectively—and arguing that this solution minimized environmental disruption. The board expressed skepticism, particularly regarding whether the proposed driveway could reliably support emergency access. Questions arose about the practicality of private maintenance for such infrastructure.

30:50Concerns were also voiced about potential legal conflicts over easements, as some residents could only exit their property by crossing a neighboring lot. The board debated the legitimacy of the hardship claim, noting that if the subdivision itself created the hardship, it might not qualify for a variance.

10:32The discussion revealed that the proposed driveway width was initially 16 feet but would need to be increased to 20 feet to meet fire department recommendations. There was a suggestion to redesign the plan to avoid the need for two separate driveways entirely, although feasibility remained uncertain.

33:19Several participants highlighted that both the planning board engineer and the conservation commission had approved the drainage plan. Yet, the board was concerned about whether the proposal would worsen existing water issues. A civil engineer present shared insights into potential drainage problems.

41:52The meeting concluded that additional evaluation by the planning board or conservation commission was necessary before any decision could be reached. The board voted to extend the discussion to a future meeting, allowing the applicant time to gather more information.

01:42:59Attention then shifted to a proposal for a body art establishment seeking a special permit to operate in a commercial business district on Mon. The representative from the tattoo shop, currently located in Bridgewater with a long-standing community presence, argued for a change in zoning laws to permit body art establishments in commercial areas, as the current regulations restrict them to industrial zones.

01:50:09The board acknowledged the outdated nature of the bylaws, originally established in 2001, and recognized the need for modernization. However, there was hesitation to approve the variance without first amending the zoning bylaw to avoid potential legal challenges. The board suggested that the matter be addressed at the upcoming town meeting, where a formal amendment could be proposed.

The tattoo shop representative was encouraged to pursue this avenue, with the board expressing general support for such a change if it were to be properly presented. A motion was made to continue the discussion for 60 days, allowing time for the town meeting, which passed without opposition.

48:21Other agenda items included the approval of a garage application, which passed unanimously after the board determined that the proposed location was reasonable given the lot’s topography. There was also discussion about a plant nursery and sales room, with concerns about traffic and safety near a post office. The nursery proposal was eventually approved, pending further planning board review.