The appointment of Isabella Bates and Nancy Garvey as associate members of the planning board was unanimously approved. This decision followed an introduction from both candidates, with Bates emphasizing her experience in mediation and Garvey highlighting her prior planning board experience and community involvement. The appointments, set to expire on June 30, 2026, aim to manage the board’s workload, particularly regarding special permits requiring a supermajority vote. The board favored appointments over elections to encourage participation without the pressures of a campaign, although concerns were raised about public accountability.

The meeting then shifted focus to zoning proposals for the upcoming town meeting. Significant proposed changes include alterations to downtown zoning, senior housing bylaws, and ADUs. The downtown zoning discussion underscored the need for regulations that align with current realities. Proposed adjustments aim to redefine the town center and Harbor’s Edge districts, allowing mixed-use developments and encouraging pedestrian-friendly designs by eliminating parking requirements for commercial spaces.

Senior housing zoning was another focal point, with discussions on accommodating the town’s aging population. Proposals include allowing smaller, clustered townhomes and assisted living facilities in residential districts, with emphasis on maintaining existing zoning requirements such as height and setbacks. A debate arose about the density limits proposed for assisted living units, with some suggesting the proposed ten units per acre may be insufficient. The board considered lowering lot size requirements to increase accessibility for senior housing developments.

The board also considered amendments to the ADU bylaw, discussing the possibility of allowing larger ADUs in certain districts. The complexities of these changes were acknowledged.

In addition to zoning and appointments, the board addressed the town’s legal representation. Recognizing the strain on the legal budget, a proposal was made to appoint Pierce Davis as co-counsel to assist with day-to-day legal matters, offering a lower hourly rate than the current law firm, KP Law. This move aims to manage legal costs while maintaining quality legal guidance.

Further discussions included the town’s infrastructure projects and climate change preparedness efforts. The board reviewed plans to secure funding for the Central Street Culvert project and initiate a climate study for Ocean Street.