A prominent topic during the meeting was the ongoing review of the site plan for a property on Plymouth Street. The board delved into the complexities of ensuring the proposed construction met all necessary regulatory requirements. Concerns were raised about the absence of a building inspector, which complicated the approval of permits. There was an urgent need to address feedback from various departments, including conservation and fire, to ensure that all aspects of the site plan were thoroughly evaluated.

Participants discussed the logistical challenges posed by the proposed access and egress for the property, with particular concern over the safe navigation of delivery trucks. The site plan’s adherence to setback and buffer regulations, particularly the 100 ft buffer, was scrutinized as members debated if the proposed changes complied with local conservation regulations. The absence of definitive responses from relevant departments added to the urgency, with reminders issued about the standard 30-day timeline for feedback.

Discussions about selecting an engineer, possibly Pat Brennan, and the potential costs involved led to suggestions for establishing a revolving account to cover the expenses. The board advised applicants to delay finalizing plans until further feedback was received, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary costs from repeated revisions.

Parallel to the site plan discussions, the board was engaged in a debate about the installation of a temporary traffic light for the AutoZone project. The intention was clarified that the developers sought assurance that they could operate with a temporary light while awaiting the permanent installation. Despite general support for this interim solution, some members expressed apprehension about public safety risks associated with the temporary setup. A proposal for a bond to guarantee the completion of the necessary work associated with the traffic light was discussed, though the specifics of the bond amount were left open-ended pending further estimates.

The meeting also highlighted that stormwater management issues at the AutoZone site were a concern. Drainage problems, including the formation of sinkholes, prompted discussions about the effectiveness of the current drainage system. The board emphasized the need for continuous monitoring to confirm the functionality of newly installed drainage basins.

Beyond the immediate issues on Plymouth Street and the AutoZone project, the board also addressed a communication from Walmart regarding an upcoming commercial remodel. The board expressed frustration over Walmart’s request for the board to conduct preliminary research and due diligence, which they deemed the responsibility of the developers. A motion was made to request a complete site plan from Walmart before the board could engage with their inquiries.

Additional agenda items included concerns about the condition of the old Cumberland Farms building and its compliance with building codes. The lack of a building inspector to enforce these codes was noted, with confirmation that the hiring freeze for this position had been lifted. Environmental considerations for a new Dunkin’ Donuts project were also discussed, particularly the potential impact of using compost and biosolids.