The public hearing on the liquor license was a focal point of the meeting, drawing substantial community engagement. Residents voiced apprehensions about the proximity of the proposed liquor sales to a high school, emphasizing the developmental vulnerabilities of adolescents. One speaker detailed the risks associated with the immature prefrontal cortex in teenagers, which governs impulse control, contrasting with the more rapidly maturing limbic system responsible for reward assessment. This developmental mismatch, the speaker argued, heightens the risk of teenagers engaging in risky behaviors, such as underage drinking, especially if alcohol is readily accessible in areas they frequent.

The board also considered an email from Susan Mander, who opposed the license, arguing that the store’s location, within 500 feet of school property, was unsuitable for alcohol sales. The sentiment was echoed by others who stressed that the convenience store’s proximity to places frequented by students could exacerbate risks associated with underage drinking.

Energy North’s management had proposed security measures to enforce lawful sales, but skepticism persisted among board members about their effectiveness. An alternative location owned by the same company, situated two miles from the school, was suggested as a more suitable site for alcohol sales, mitigating the proximity concerns.

Ultimately, the board moved to deny the license application, with multiple members supporting the decision based on the public’s input and the potential implications for community health and safety.

Following the decision, the board addressed several other key matters. A discussion centered around the orchard property and its future leasing or sale. The board considered responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) concerning the orchard, with one applicant showing interest in purchasing associated structures rather than merely leasing the land. This posed challenges, as the board cannot negotiate a sale without first declaring the properties surplus.

Public comments highlighted concerns about transparency in the RFP process and the potential for a lease to evolve into a purchase without adequate public input. The board reiterated that any sale would require a separate RFP process and emphasized the need for agreements to include restrictions to preserve the properties’ historical significance.

In addition to the orchard discussion, the board addressed traffic safety concerns, particularly at the Heartwell and Lawrence intersection. Residents expressed unease over the new intersection design, citing a recent accident attributed to driver error. The board acknowledged these concerns and assured the community that safety measures, including signage, are being implemented.

The meeting also included updates on several community initiatives. The board recognized the success of recent local events, including the fire and police open houses, and highlighted the contributions of the Mighty Oak Fund’s charity event, which supports local student scholarships. Furthermore, collaboration with neighboring towns on potential affordable housing projects and bike trail extensions were discussed, emphasizing regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.