The focal point of the meeting was the site plan review for a property on Plymouth Street, where the board confronted issues of ownership and compliance with local regulations. It was determined that the applicant must submit revised documents reflecting both Caroline Reed and Benjamin Reed as owners before proceeding. This requirement stemmed from guidance provided by the town’s legal counsel, which stipulated that all owners of record, including adjacent property owners, must be clearly identified in the site plan documentation. The board agreed that without these clarifications, the site plan review could not move forward.

Discussions around 539 Plymouth Street also highlighted various conditions that must be met for the site plan’s approval. These included prohibiting biosolid compost on the property, scheduling regular maintenance for a porta-potty, and managing dust control on the street. An apron for the driveway, specified as ten feet wide, was also required. The board emphasized the necessity of including a lighting plan that complies with existing bylaws, noting that any future lighting additions would require a site plan amendment. Additionally, security measures such as a temporary chain barrier and operational hours, set from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., were discussed to prevent 24/7 access, which raised security concerns.

The board’s dialogue also addressed the proposal for a nursery and tree farm on Plymouth Street, requiring a special permit due to its commercial nature. Members stressed that any expansion or changes to the nursery operation would need substantial modifications to the application and a return to the board for approval. The special permit would remain tied to the land, impacting future owners. The conversation touched on the necessity for irrigation and electrical conduits, with an emphasis on adhering to regulations concerning the wetlands buffer, which was noted to be within 100 feet of any proposed work. Ensuring a clear and accurate lease description was paramount to avoid confusion about the property’s location and zoning.

Another matter was the ongoing construction of Starbucks and AutoZone, two separate entities sharing a site. Temporary occupancy permits (TCO) were discussed, with a bond deemed necessary to manage the property adequately until the permanent lighting system is installed. Starbucks’ construction is expected to conclude by February, ahead of AutoZone. The board defined a workable site as one that operates independently and without interruptions from ongoing construction, stressing public safety. Concerns were raised about the bond’s scope, which should cover any unfinished elements of the AutoZone site.

The meeting also revisited the persistent issue of discrepancies in site plans, particularly concerning the sign plans for a property on Plymouth Street. The board acknowledged past administrative changes and miscommunications, which may have led to the oversight of formal plan approval. Members stressed the importance of using the most recent plans and proposed inviting the review engineer to clarify any remaining confusion. This would ensure all relevant updates and decisions were correctly documented and shared among board members, highlighting the need for alignment on documentation for assessments related to the site.

Additionally, the board examined drainage concerns linked to alterations in site plans and elevations. A member expressed confusion over conflicting information regarding site elevation changes, prompting a suggestion to invite Mr. Silva, an engineer involved, to a future meeting for clarification. Residents raised concerns about the communication and implementation of revised plans, pointing out administrative shortcomings in verifying plan submissions. The potential for a cease-and-desist recommendation due to these discrepancies was debated, though the board leaned towards a cautious, step-by-step approach over drastic action.

Towards the meeting’s end, the board addressed administrative tasks, including the approval of bills and meeting minutes. A motion to pay a subscription renewal for the Express Newspaper passed unanimously, and the minutes from a previous meeting were carried over for future approval due to incomplete documentation. The board reiterated the importance of ensuring all necessary documentation was complete and signed before advancing any further work on the project.