The meeting, intended as an informational session, featured a detailed history of the Redevelopment area by Michael Sullivan, a city planner. Sullivan explained the legal and planning processes that have been in progress since 2015 and highlighted the importance of adopting the Redevelopment plan to stay in compliance with affordable housing requirements. He warned of the risks and consequences if the plan were not adopted, including the possibility of losing control over local land use and zoning.

Joseph Vosi, representing the company behind the proposed project, provided an overview of the project’s design and emphasized the partnership with an affordable housing developer. Vosi’s presentation included details on the types of townhomes and affordable rentals to be offered, as well as the infrastructural elements like stormwater facilities and conservation areas.

Public commentary during the meeting was robust, with residents voicing their fears and skepticism. One local, with over five decades of planning board experience, objected to the timeline for approving the project, stating that 20 days was insufficient for such a significant project. He specifically noted the environmental impact of removing 1,400 trees and potential issues related to narrow roads and emergency vehicle access. Another resident inquired about how the project would affect a historic area and the plans for roadways. There were also broader discussions about stormwater runoff and whether the stormwater management plan would be adequate in preventing flooding, a concern heightened by past experiences of severe flooding in the area.

In response to the environmental concerns raised, the city underscored the comprehensive analysis of pre-existing and post-development stormwater runoff, including updated rainfall amounts from NOAA. They assured that a maintenance bond would be posted after the project’s completion to address any issues that might arise. Additionally, preliminary soil testing was discussed as part of the stormwater management system design.

The city engineer, representing Gil War Associates, discussed the preliminary engineering of the stormwater management system, which included measures for water quality and groundwater recharge. The ongoing discussions about a stormwater control ordinance were mentioned, and the importance of compliance with state and federal regulations was emphasized. The next steps for the developer include diligence testing and a full design of the stormwater management system, which will be reviewed and approved by the planning board.

Residents also expressed concerns about the impact of the development on traffic, with worries about increased congestion from delivery trucks and the adequacy of traffic circulation plans. Questions were raised about the potential environmental repercussions of developing on a site with a history as a city landfill, and the possible leakage of hazardous materials into the groundwater was a particular point of unease. The capacity of the sewer system to handle the new units and the involvement of the local utility company in the planning process were also topics of concern.

Moreover, the debate extended to the selection of the developer, with questions about the transparency of the process and the criteria used for the choice. The relationship between the Condo Association and the affordable housing units was scrutinized, with concerns over access to amenities and maintenance responsibilities.

Another issue was the proposed timing for reviewing the development project. Residents contested the adequacy of a 20-day review period and stressed the need for a more comprehensive information and planning phase before the project reaches the planning board. The importance of considering past development experiences in the area was highlighted, with a call for the council to consider local context rather than relying solely on design standards.

The meeting concluded with a reminder about an upcoming planning board meeting and a public hearing for the ordinance on June 20th, with the council urging further community engagement and discussion on the matter.