The meeting’s focal point was the school’s expansion plans, with the board addressing the application’s impact on local infrastructure. The traffic engineer’s testimony covered several aspects of the project, including a proposed enrollment reduction from 340-345 students to 180, the impact on traffic circulation, and on-site loading for buses. Concerns were raised about the septic system’s capacity, particularly the potential for failure if the daily flow exceeded 2,000 gallons. The board sought reassurance on the septic system’s design, which was to replace four existing septic fields with a single modern one approved by the Board of Health. Plans for a lot line adjustment to acquire additional land for a fully landscaped 50-foot buffer were also discussed, as well as proposals for tree removal and new landscaping to meet board expectations.

The engineer provided clarifications on the enrollment reduction’s impact on traffic and bus loading, the septic system’s design based on proposed use, and state laws requiring regular servicing of the system. Additionally, the board explored the implications of a lot line adjustment and the acquisition of the additional land, which the traffic engineer explained was intended for the creation of the landscaped buffer.

In the public portion of the meeting, a resident expressed concerns about potential increases in student enrollment and the subsequent impact on the septic system. The applicant’s representative assured the board that student enrollment would be capped at 180 and enforced through a recorded document against the property.

The board also discussed the subdivision of two existing lots into three new ones on Herbertsville Road, which included the replacement of an existing single-family home. The applicant assured the board of adherence to all conditions from a previous resolution.

Another noteworthy topic was a minor subdivision approval for the replacement of a dwelling. The board considered an application for a 3,700 square foot single-story home with a basement, three bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. This proposal required variances for front yard and side yard setbacks, which the planner suggested could be granted based on the master plan’s recommendation for additional lots under two acres in the A2 zone.

An application for constructing a single-family dwelling on an undersized lot was also reviewed. The applicant, Jessica Basset, intended to build a permanent home despite the lot being smaller than zoning requirements. The board scrutinized the plans, focusing on flood hazard area compliance and the potential impacts of a proposed septic system on adjacent properties.

The meeting touched on the construction of a single-family dwelling with a septic on another undersized lot on Laurel Place. The architect presented plans for a 2500-square-foot dwelling, which prompted questions about flood hazard area compliance and the home’s layout and design.

Regarding a property in the A1 Zone, the board debated the visual and grading impact of a septic system for a proposed 2441 square foot home. Concerns were voiced about the potential for the system to push water onto neighboring properties and the visual impact of a septic system in the front yard.

Public comments included support for new construction in the neighborhood, with the board approving the application after considering the potential benefits and the applicant’s circumstances.

The meeting concluded with the Turkish American Religious Foundation Inc’s case seeking approval to convert a single-family dwelling into a place of worship with a caretaker residence. The board discussed the proposed activities and congregation size, and the application was carried to a later date for further discussion.