07:55The parking needs of the Jones River Community Chapel emerged as a point of contention, with extensive community input and board scrutiny. Pastor Joseph Goldberg explained the church’s proposal to convert a cleared area, previously occupied by stables, into a parking lot to accommodate attendees of the Monday night Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. However, the proposal faced resistance from residents concerned about the lack of notice for tree removal and the potential environmental impact due to inadequate drainage plans. A board representative stressed the necessity of an engineered drainage solution, noting the site’s historical nature and its loamy soil conditions, which require careful planning to prevent stormwater issues.

18:54Residents voiced differing perspectives on the parking situation. Adam Sherman, a long-time neighbor, contended that the parking issues were not as severe as described, while Rosanne Pratt expressed frustration over increased congestion and safety concerns, especially on Monday nights. Pratt’s concerns included cars blocking driveways and the fire hazards posed by brush left on the lot. The board emphasized the need for a landscaping plan to buffer the parking area from residential properties and encouraged the church to engage with neighbors to address these issues collaboratively.

29:43The discussion also touched upon the applicability of the Dover Amendment, which provides zoning exemptions for religious and educational uses. The board clarified that their jurisdiction was limited to the physical aspects of the parking lot, not the broader use of the church for non-religious activities like AA meetings. Suggestions were made to split the AA meetings into smaller groups, but the pastor explained that strong social bonds among attendees made such a division challenging.

52:24In a separate agenda item, the board reviewed a presentation on the historic road corridor along Route 3A and Route 53, a project studied by the Old Colony Planning Council in collaboration with the town. The corridor, originally a trail used by the Wampanoag Nation and later known as the Great Road, has evolved into a commercial zone. The master plan proposed mixed-use developments to revitalize the area, emphasizing the need for better integration of residential and commercial spaces and improvements to streetscapes and landscaping.

01:03:28A key component of the corridor’s revitalization includes the proposed reconstruction of Exit 20, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety with new roundabouts. The plan has garnered support from local property owners, and efforts are underway to secure funding for engineering design. The presentation also addressed the challenges posed by vacant storefronts and the need for rezoning to stimulate growth.

58:56Additionally, the board discussed local infrastructure concerns, particularly a covert under Route 3A vulnerable to flooding during storms. The board plans to engage with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to address these issues, which impact the downtown area. Funding is being pursued for various projects, including an accessible trail behind the senior center and enhancements to the town center’s streetscapes.

01:15:17The meeting concluded with board members acknowledging the importance of continued community engagement and collaboration with other town boards to address these multifaceted challenges.