The most significant deliberation centered around 285 Home Street, where a stormwater management permit application filed by Liddell Development LLC aimed to convert an industrially zoned property into a light manufacturing site. Concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of the proposed stormwater management system, especially following the removal of trees that had previously absorbed much of the site’s runoff. Ann Sobleski, a representative for Liddell Development, assured the Commission that a new system designed by an engineer named Jim would mitigate runoff, capturing it in two infiltration basins. The design aimed to manage water from significant storm events, including 25- and 100-year occurrences, with the basins sized to comply with town regulations.

Despite these assurances, commission members expressed skepticism about the calculations used to support the proposed system. The basis for the runoff analysis, which assumed pre-existing wooded conditions, was questioned given the site’s current state as a gravel surface. Concerns were also raised about previously installed catch basins, which were found to be full during a site visit. The commission emphasized the need for clarification from the engineers, particularly regarding the assumptions underlying their runoff calculations and the system’s effectiveness post-tree removal.

Further discussions on stormwater management included a representative from PGB Engineering, who addressed changes to the original drainage plans. The revised plans involved redirecting a catch basin to pipe directly into an infiltration basin, correcting initial proposals that risked sediment disturbance. The commission requested spot elevations to ensure proper runoff flow and suggested additional pre-treatment measures, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive operation and maintenance plan due to the gravel surface.

Community members voiced their concerns over increased runoff and environmental impacts following tree removal. One resident reported a “wind tunnel” effect and increased noise and ground vibrations, attributing these issues to the absence of mature trees. There was an appeal for additional tree planting to mitigate aesthetic and environmental impacts, with some residents expressing frustration over the extensive clear-cutting.

The meeting also addressed issues at other sites, including 27 Hillside Avenue, where complaints about burying materials and storing vehicles were investigated. No evidence of buried items was found, but residents were cautioned against further excavation due to mapped wetlands. At 111 River Street, the commission dealt with concerns over unexploded ordnance excavation, necessitating an amendment to the order of conditions to reflect the project’s expanded scope.

During the meeting, the commission approved several motions related to site compliance and discussed ongoing issues at various properties. A partial certificate of compliance was granted for a property on Mont Poner Street, and unauthorized dumping at 314 and Plymouth Street was addressed, with the commission opting for communication over immediate enforcement. The adoption of a code of conduct policy for appointed officials was also approved.