The Forge Pond management plan took center stage during the meeting, with the committee approving both the eligibility and a $35,000 funding request for herbicide treatments at the pond. The decision was marked by a unanimous vote. The plan’s funding is designed to cover half of the proposed costs, with the Friends of Forge Pond matching $17,500. The CPC discussed the potential of securing further matching funds from the Westford Community Preservation Committee, though the outcome of these subsequent funding efforts remains uncertain.

In discussing the management plan, members expressed concern over the exclusion of a wetland watershed assessment from the application, which they deemed potentially necessary for future phases. The committee acknowledged the need for ongoing assessments and data collection to inform future management strategies, while emphasizing the importance of not delaying necessary interventions at Forge Pond. Additionally, discussions around the herbicide treatments at Long Lake highlighted an increase in funding due to added contingencies.

Another topic was the application from the planning department for a community housing plan, presented by Town Planner Maren Tuhill. The request involved funding to hire a consultant to develop a new housing production plan, as the current plan dated back to 2014. The updated plan would aim to incorporate public outreach, research, and recommendations to address local housing needs, identifying gaps in housing options like apartments or senior housing. Tuhill emphasized that a current housing production plan is important for grant applications and aligning with municipal best practices.

During the housing plan discussion, committee members raised questions about the plan’s alignment with the Community Preservation Act’s definition of community housing. They debated whether to vote on the application immediately or defer it for further review. Ultimately, the decision was to postpone the vote until the March meeting, allowing additional time for members to assess the plan’s details.

The meeting also addressed the construction of boardwalks at Webster Woods to improve accessibility and enhance the trail system. The committee discussed a revised funding request of $138,000. This project, which highlights ADA compliance for the boardwalks, faced scrutiny over whether the entire trail system would be accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. While the boardwalks were confirmed to meet ADA standards, connecting paths’ accessibility remained uncertain, prompting further examination of the trail’s design.

The Castle in the Trees project was another notable discussion, focusing on creating a trail connecting the property to the library’s trail system to ensure safer pedestrian routes for children. The project sought $55,500 in funding and required ADA compliance considerations similar to those of Webster Woods. Both projects will await further deliberation in upcoming meetings as the committee gathers additional quotes.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the Littleton Rental Assistance Program (LRAP), which facilitates rental aid for residents. The committee approved a funding application for an additional $48,613 to reach the maximum allowable funding of $120,000, emphasizing the program’s importance in supporting local residents.

As the meeting drew to a close, members discussed the need for a track resurfacing project, noting its previous consideration and the track’s deteriorating condition. The committee approved the eligibility request for track rehabilitation, aligning it with past successful projects in other towns.