The committee members and residents engaged in a discussion about the South Street property’s rezoning, which would potentially allow the development of an office building similar to an adjacent Dunkin Donuts. Concerns centered around the lack of control over the property once rezoned and the implications for the surrounding neighborhood and environment. Members and residents debated the necessity of rezoning the entire parcel instead of just the portion needed for the building, with suggestions to leave the rest as Lakefront residential.

The safety aspects were also considered, particularly the need for proper entrance and exit points, with members noting the early stages of discussion and no current plans to provide access onto Hayward Street. The historical opposition to rezoning in the area was underscored by residents and the committee urged continued vigilance by the neighborhood regarding the potential impact of the rezoning.

Additionally, the committee addressed the Open Space Landscape Preservation Development (OSLPD) bylaw, with two proposals presented by Mor. The first would allow more wetland in the open space of an OSLPD, aimed at enhancing trail access and public use. The second proposal concerned the requirement of a Conservation Restriction (CR). The committee requested more information and examples to fully gauge the impact of these changes.

The discussion then shifted to the MBTA communities and the pressure to comply with state law to avoid losing grants and facing lawsuits. Members expressed frustration over the perceived lack of public awareness despite outreach efforts and discussed strategies, including door-to-door education, to ensure residents understood the proposed zoning processes and implications, such as the impact of new housing on the need for schools and property taxes.

The meeting concluded with a debate on the format of future meetings, with some members advocating for in-person gatherings for improved communication, while others highlighted the challenges of hybrid meetings and the importance of adhering to open meeting laws. The committee planned to continue monthly meetings through the summer, with the possibility of in-person attendance.