The Spy Rock Hill controversy was the focal point of the meeting, as Gary Gilbert criticized the Planning Board’s decision to deny the property owners’ application for an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan. Gilbert argued that the decision was unjustified, as the property met all necessary requirements, including adequate land area and lot frontage. He contended that the Planning Board’s claim of “illusory access” to the lot was unfounded since the property had ample access. Gilbert warned that the denial could lead to substantial legal costs, potentially impacting the town’s budget significantly.

Gilbert further alleged that the Planning Board Chair had initiated legal proceedings without allowing discussion on the merits of other ANR plans previously endorsed by the town. He cited that the town planner had recommended the application be endorsed, a recommendation that was reportedly withheld from the board, compromising the decision-making process. Gilbert expressed concerns that this situation could set a concerning precedent, allowing manipulation of property rights laws. He urged the Select Board to take remedial action.

In response to Gilbert’s statement, a Select Board member acknowledged receipt of a letter from the law offices concerning a separate issue with the Manchester Marine Moorings. However, the board had not scheduled a discussion for the April meeting, with plans to address it in the fall instead.

Transitioning to other matters, the Select Board discussed logistical preparations for the upcoming transition in town administration. The current Town Administrator emphasized the importance of a smooth handover, highlighting the need for a comprehensive information package for the incoming administrator. This would include details on critical projects like the culvert project and early engagement in the school budget process for the following year. The board also discussed contingency plans in case the funding for the culvert project, associated with a grant, were to be rescinded.

Public safety updates were another key focus, with the Fire Chief providing an overview of department activities. The department had a busy first quarter with an increase in emergency responses compared to the previous year. Various grants facilitated ongoing training and staff development, with the department transitioning to quarterly FEMA reimbursements to ensure financial accountability. Additionally, the department received grants for a new slide-in unit for the UTV and a new ambulance expected in 2026, along with a student education grant for fire safety programs.

The Select Board also addressed community initiatives, including the installation of wayfinding signs approved the previous June, which were yet to be installed. The Downtown Improvement Committee was tasked with recommending which redundant signs could be removed post-installation. Parking spot delineation on Central Street was briefly discussed, with completed engineering work determining the number of spots that could be accommodated, potentially affecting resident parking availability.

Further discussions included the reorganization of town roles, upcoming town meeting logistics, and updates on the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). Concerns were raised about the ongoing review of the Powerhouse Hill apartment complex lottery process, prompting continued communication with state authorities. Additionally, the board discussed the temporary halt of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program and its implications on the town’s financial planning.

The meeting also touched on routine departmental updates, such as the Parks and Recreation Department’s examination of drainage issues at Sweeney Park and the Council on Aging’s involvement in the Mason building purchase. A noteworthy development involved the Historic District Commission issuing a certificate of hardship for a house on the subsidized housing list, generating discussions around historical preservation challenges.