The concept of expanding the Smart Growth Overlay District generated extensive dialogue among board members. The focus was on the inclusion of the hospital site and a segment of the MBTA station property, areas identified as having potential for mixed-use development. The board noted previous interactions with MBTA representatives regarding future requests for proposals and a separate meeting with development teams evaluating the hospital site’s potential. Feedback from the town council was highlighted, emphasizing the need to verify boundary lines with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) due to potential zoning complications.

Concerns emerged about the practicality of integrating these two distinct areas under a single zoning effort. A board member voiced skepticism, referencing past attempts to rezone the hospital site as a 40R district, which had underscored the importance of connectivity. This connectivity requirement was seen as a possible obstacle to redeveloping existing business zones. Additionally, the presence of an existing 40B project complicated the matter. The EOHLC has historically preferred that new zoning proposals do not overlap with already permitted projects.

The board further debated the merits of pursuing 40R zoning, given the financial implications and challenges associated with state aid. While 40R zoning could potentially provide immediate funding, concerns were raised about the long-term costs tied to educational infrastructure. There was also a desire to clean up potential contaminants on the hospital site, with suggestions to classify it as a Superfund location to facilitate federal and state assistance for remediation efforts. However, it was noted that previous attempts to secure state aid for brownfield remediation had been unsuccessful due to the town not owning portions of the site necessary to apply for grants.

The discussion regarding the Smart Growth Overlay District also touched on the MBTA property. One member expressed opposition to developing this industrially zoned area solely for housing, highlighting state ownership of the land and the potential for the state to dictate its use. The conversation then shifted to the possibility of incorporating a mixed-use component into a 40R zoning proposal, with past sketches by the MBTA offering various site plan alternatives that could inform the board’s planning efforts.

As the board evaluated the concept of mixed-use zoning, questions arose about the maximum density and number of units permissible under the 40R framework. There was a consensus on the need to engage further with town council to explore these possibilities and consider drafting preliminary site sketches to visualize potential developments. However, caution was expressed about proceeding with sketch plans, given that the board does not own the property in question.

In addition to the Smart Growth Overlay District discussions, the board considered an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for a property on Clear Pond Road, a property adjacent to the Lakeville Country Club. The ANR plan was presented by Derek Maxi, who explained the necessity of acquiring a small piece of land behind the club for zoning compliance. The board approved the ANR plan unanimously after confirming the conservation commission’s endorsement of the property status.

The meeting also addressed administrative matters, including stormwater management and potential enforcement mechanisms. The town planner provided a response to comments from the conservation commission, highlighting a revised draft for review. There was a consensus on the need for a clear process for complaints and enforcement, considering subcontracting enforcement responsibilities funded through stormwater permit fees.