The board’s deliberation on the fire station project was one of notable topics of the meeting. The proposed site plan included the construction of a substantial fire station designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency for the town. A civil site design engineer from PAR Corporation presented the layout, which plans to clear approximately two acres of forest. Key design elements included ensuring the fire station is set back 94 feet from the roadway to facilitate apparatus accessibility and visibility.

Safety concerns dominated the conversation, particularly regarding the potential impact of high-speed traffic on Bedford Street. Board members discussed the necessity of installing signage to alert drivers to the station’s presence, given its location on a state road. While a traffic light was deemed unnecessary, the option of “vista pruning” was considered to improve line-of-sight, with MassDOT’s approval. The board also scrutinized the site’s stormwater management plans, which underwent peer review to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Attention was also given to the fire station’s parking and accessibility. The back parking lot, intended for employees, was designed with a gated entrance, raising questions about its operation during events and emergencies. Concerns were further voiced about the adequacy of public parking, particularly given a meeting room designed for public gatherings. The board resolved to integrate input from the fire chief and other stakeholders in future discussions.

Parallel to the fire station discourse, the board examined housing regulations, particularly focusing on ADUs. The debate centered on whether ADUs could be sold as condominiums, a move that could potentially provide affordable housing options for families. The board acknowledged the need for an official opinion from the town council to navigate these regulatory concerns effectively.

In collaboration with Taylor Perez from Serpent, the board reviewed drafts of updated housing regulations. This included incorporating recent changes such as the completed stormwater bylaw and proposed modifications to road standards. The issue of sidewalks was highlighted, with members debating the necessity of clear language specifying exceptions to sidewalk requirements in new subdivisions. The board also discussed the potential for driveway lanterns to substitute for streetlights, given Lakeville’s lack of streetlights, and the importance of formalizing these allowances in the regulations.

The meeting also touched on administrative updates, including the ongoing efforts related to the Lakeville Hospital site demolition. The town is exploring partnerships with nonprofit organizations to secure eligibility for brownfield funds, with project costs estimated between $15 to $17 million. The board also focused on Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) updates, emphasizing the need to apply for a grant from SERPAD to support these initiatives.