The meeting’s primary focus was the public hearing regarding proposed alterations to the scenic road on Northfield Road. The application, presented by Greg Roy, involved the removal and relocation of a 40-foot stone wall section and the removal of two 30-inch diameter white pine trees. The board, led by the chair, emphasized the scenic roads bylaw, which mandates that alterations require public hearings to preserve the aesthetic and ecological integrity of these roads. During the hearing, the applicant plans to repurpose the removed stones to enhance the existing wall, while proposing to plant red maples as replacements for the felled white pines.

This proposal sparked a debate among board members regarding the suitability of replacing white pines with red maples. One member argued that the substitution was inadequate, urging for future tree replacements to more closely match the original trees in ecological value and appearance. The discussion acknowledged past instances where replacements did not meet expectations, and it was suggested that more native tree options be considered moving forward.

With no public objections during the hearing, the board agreed to conditions proposed by Adam Bernie, requiring the red maple trees to be installed and certified by the tree warden before occupancy permits could be issued. Additionally, the stone wall restoration had to be completed and certified. The motion to approve the scenic road alterations was moved and seconded, with the board voting in favor.

In another significant agenda item, the board initiated a public hearing for site plan approval regarding modifications to the Walmart parking lot on Mass Avenue. Represented by Mr. Deabona from Bowler Engineering, the applicant outlined changes that included moving online pickup parking spaces from the front to the side lot, increasing pickup stalls from eight to thirteen, and adding pedestrian crosswalks and signage. This redesign aimed to enhance safety and usability while maintaining compliance with parking requirements despite a net loss of sixteen spaces.

Board members inquired about the potential inclusion of canopies over the pickup area, but were informed that Walmart had decided against them. The construction was anticipated to begin in July, with completion by fall. The hearing closed without public comment, and the board approved the site plan with standard conditions.

The discussion then turned to a common driveway special permit and joint stormwater permit for a property on Northfield Road. A representative explained minor adjustments to the driveway alignment, prompted by wetland considerations. These changes included shifting the alignment slightly without impacting stormwater management. There was a clarification about a discrepancy in septic system areas, necessitating additional land disturbance. Despite these changes, the applicant assured that stormwater metrics remained unchanged.

The board deliberated whether the changes were minor, ultimately agreeing they were “dimminimous” after a unanimous vote. The decisions were documented for board members’ signatures, allowing the project to proceed without further complications.

A proposal for a common driveway at Zero Reservoir Road was also discussed. An engineering representative highlighted necessary hydrological modifications and frontage adjustments. A board member expressed concerns about the driveway’s proximity to an intersection, requesting further exploration of alternative locations. The hearing was scheduled to continue at a later date, allowing the applicant time to address the board’s feedback and those from Graves Engineering.

The meeting also covered discussions on the master plan draft, with members reviewing the accuracy of its contents. Concerns were raised about the absence of critical data, leading to a request for feedback by the next meeting. The board considered whether the plan required town meeting approval or if they could approve it independently.

Finally, the board addressed the status of the 925 Mass Ave property, previously an abandoned gas station. Despite cleanup efforts, contamination levels remained above safety thresholds, raising development concerns. A member volunteered to join a working group to draft a request for proposals for the site, emphasizing the financial risks involved in its development.