The meeting began with a discussion about Zephyr Behavioral Healthcare’s proposal to use a parcel on North Hatfield Road for a facility serving children aged two to six diagnosed with autism. The parcel, identified as ID 21-42, is located in a rural residential zone and previously served adults with disabilities under state management. Representatives from Zephyr, including the founder and CEO, detailed their intent to offer one-to-one care for children during daytime hours, emphasizing that no overnight stays would occur.

The board members deliberated on how to classify the proposed business, debating whether it should be considered a child care or healthcare facility. Child care centers are permissible in rural residential zones without requiring planning board approval, whereas healthcare facilities would necessitate a special permit. After a thorough discussion, the board leaned towards classifying the facility as a specialized child care center, aligning with Zephyr’s clarification that their services do not replace formal education and are not regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Education. This classification would allow Zephyr to operate without needing additional planning board approval. The board also inquired about state regulation and oversight, with Zephyr indicating that their facilities undergo bi-annual reviews from insurance companies to ensure services remain medically necessary.

The meeting then moved on to another agenda item concerning a proposed garage extension between properties at 224 and Straits Road. The applicants, James and Betsy Fusic, presented their plan to build a garage extension requiring an adjustment to meet the 15-foot setback requirement. They proposed purchasing a small portion of land from their neighbor to comply with this regulation. The board confirmed that the lot line adjustment would not create new non-conformities, and both properties would retain their access across their own frontage. The planning board unanimously endorsed the plan, expressing satisfaction with its straightforward nature.

A key part of the meeting was the discussion on the ADU bylaw changes, especially in light of upcoming state regulations set to take effect in February. The new state law permits accessory dwelling units up to 900 square feet, necessitating that local legislation be revised for compatibility. The board debated whether to revise the bylaw or remove it entirely. Concerns were raised about corporate ownership of residential properties, with one member expressing strong opposition, stating, “I have a real problem with that and I think that’s a source of a lot of the housing problem in the crash that’s going on right now.” This sentiment highlighted broader concerns about local housing dynamics and ownership opportunities.

The board discussed the technical aspects of the updated law and its potential impact on town zoning, particularly regarding lot sizes and conditions for ADUs. There was a consensus to revise the ADU bylaw to ensure alignment with the forthcoming state law while retaining local regulations to prevent non-conforming developments. The board emphasized establishing criteria to allow oversight in ADU approvals, especially concerning existing residential structures and ensuring that new units remain subordinate to main dwellings.

The meeting also touched upon the balance of home ownership and rental properties in Hatfield, noting a current split of 60% home ownership to 40% rentals. Concerns were raised about the implications of increasing rental properties on community engagement, particularly regarding involvement in local boards and schools. There was a strong sentiment advocating for policies that promote home ownership to allow residents to build equity.

Attention then shifted to the comprehensive plan, initially anticipated to include a presentation, which was delayed until the following month due to the select board’s schedule. The plan, comprising over 300 pages, will be reviewed in the next meeting with the possibility of a vote to approve it. Members were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the action plan, which outlines the planning board’s future priorities.