The Spectrum 360 application was a focal point of the meeting, driven by the need to bolster safety measures due to the property’s proximity to Route 10. Kenneth Burger, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Spectrum, testified that the fence height increase was critical to prevent students, some as young as three or with profound autism, from potentially running into traffic. Burger acknowledged that even the six-foot fence might not completely deter students from climbing over but emphasized that it was a significant improvement over the previous four-foot barrier. He detailed additional security measures at the school, including extensive security camera installations, “man traps” for controlled access, and the presence of security guards.

Concerns about the fence’s appearance led to proposals for enhanced landscaping along Route 10. Board members suggested robust plantings, including “big ass trees” every 30 to 40 feet, to obscure the fence and create a visually pleasing streetscape. They stressed the importance of integrating a variety of plants to avoid monotony and ensure visibility for drivers. The goal was to balance the necessity of the security measures with the need to maintain a welcoming environment for the community.

The proposal for the Spectrum 360 facility included additional fencing around playground areas and the installation of an automatic gate at the main entrance. The fencing design, featuring aluminum material with four horizontal rails, was chosen to prevent distressed students from climbing over. The necessity of the six-foot height was underscored by incidents at other facilities where students had scaled lower fences. The board sought assurance that the new fencing would not impede emergency egress and was informed that the gates would be open outside school hours, complying with safety regulations.

Attention was also given to landscaping plans to complement the increased fence height and enhance the school’s overall appearance. Previous tree plantings had been removed due to utility work, prompting a switch to smaller, more resilient species such as columnar cherry trees and boxwood hedges. Board members discussed the viability of these plantings in the region and suggested the applicant verify their long-term survival potential.

The meeting also addressed a preliminary and final site plan application by Across International LLC for a property on Dorset Avenue. The applicant sought variances to construct a 960-square-foot storage shed, deviating from setback requirements. The shed was intended for storing wooden pallets and crates to free up space within the main building used for laboratory device distribution. The proposed location, at the property’s highest elevation, aimed to mitigate flood risks. The board discussed the impact on parking, noting a reconfiguration would result in the addition of handicap-accessible spots.

The board approved the application after no public opposition was voiced and the applicant’s attorney provided comprehensive details. The decision was influenced by the practical difficulties presented by property conditions and the flood-prone area. The board emphasized the importance of anchoring the shed to withstand potential flooding and agreed to consider existing non-conformities in the variance request to safeguard against future alterations.

With the Spectrum 360 application set to continue at the next meeting, the board expressed a desire for swift progress, emphasizing the need for timely submission of revised plans.