04:31The board’s most immediate concern is the compliance with the MBTA community zoning initiative, which mandates selecting a suitable location by June 23. Community Scale has been contracted to assist with this process, tasked with conducting groundwork and drafting a bylaw for state approval. The chair highlighted the urgency, emphasizing that failure to comply could have implications, potentially affecting community interests. The contractor is set to present options on May 12, and the board discussed the necessity of public information sessions to gather community input. These sessions aim to foster interactive dialogue beyond formal meetings.

09:50There is a concern among board members about whether the timeline—consisting of one meeting in May and two in June—will suffice for comprehensive community engagement. To mitigate this, the chair suggested scheduling informal sessions, possibly before the next board meeting, to allow attendees to formulate questions and engage more effectively. The board acknowledged the Open Meeting Law’s constraints.

37:18Meanwhile, the Brooks House, a property under scrutiny for potential demolition, was another focal point. The Municipal Building Design Committee has once again recommended the demolition of the Brooks House, continuing their stance from the previous year. The committee is drafting a warrant article for town meeting to propose funding aligned with an estimated cost of $23 million.

39:45The board also explored economic development issues, addressing concerns over Lunenburg’s reputation as unfriendly to businesses. Acknowledging a perception problem, efforts are underway to organize a workshop or forum with key town officials, though these have faced delays. A recent meeting between the Economic Development Committee chair and the Lunenburg Business Association was noted. This interaction is seen as a step towards creating a welcoming environment for businesses hesitant to voice concerns.

15:34In addition to these discussions, the board reviewed and endorsed an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan for a property on Cross Road. Represented by Ian Hazelton from Hanigan Engineering, the proposal involves subdividing a 6-acre property into two lots, each adhering to frontage and zoning requirements. The board confirmed sewer access and compliance with the Board of Health, approving the plan unanimously.

02:13The meeting included updates on routine tasks typically handled by the Land Use Director, with the chair participating in site walks and pre-construction meetings. The board discussed the potential need for a formal designation of the Land Use Director for specific tasks, though this was deemed unnecessary for the chair’s current duties.

35:22Committee reports provided insight into ongoing projects, including the Master Plan Steering Committee’s activities and upcoming public engagement sessions. The open space committee was mentioned, though specific details were not elaborated upon.

44:09As the meeting concluded, the board confirmed future scheduling, noting that the second meeting in May would coincide with Memorial Day, leading to its cancellation.