53:31One notable issue discussed was the proposed 200-unit residential development on Parker Street by Avalon Bay. Developers David Gesi and Francis Hen presented their vision for the project, emphasizing that 25% of the units would be affordable housing. Avalon Bay’s operational model ensures that the company manages all aspects of the development process internally, without outside financing, which contributes to a streamlined and self-contained approach.

Concerns about the project’s impact on local infrastructure, particularly water and sewer capacity, were raised. One board member questioned the town’s ability to support such a large development given existing utility limitations. The developers acknowledged these challenges and expressed willingness to discuss scaling back the project to align with Maynard’s infrastructure capabilities.

34:48The development proposal falls under Chapter 40B, which allows for certain zoning exemptions to promote affordable housing. Maynard’s current affordable housing percentage is approximately 9.18%, just below the state-required 10%. This development is seen as a critical step toward meeting that threshold, but it also raises concerns about the town’s readiness to handle the additional strain on its resources.

To address these concerns, the board was encouraged to use the current meeting to inform the public about the proposal and its potential impacts. The Town Administrator emphasized the need for accurate information dissemination to counteract circulating misinformation. A two-pronged strategy was discussed, combining public outreach through community channels and organizing a public hearing at the next Select Board meeting to encourage community input.

53:31The Select Board discussed the importance of potentially requesting an extension from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) for the public comment period, which would provide the community with additional time to engage and provide feedback. The timing of the proposal’s presentation, coinciding with the Labor Day weekend and the approaching special town meeting, was also considered a factor in needing more time for public discourse.

1:11:09Additional topics of discussion included the town’s affordable housing initiatives and their operational costs related to public safety, especially concerning the fire department’s limited staff and resources. A member emphasized their commitment to affordable housing efforts.

1:27:18The board also addressed the ongoing challenges with the town’s waste management services. The task force has been operational since January 2023, conducting public meetings and surveys to evaluate the current program model and financial structure. The rising costs of curbside collection were noted, with Massachusetts having the highest trash disposal costs in the nation. The task force proposed transitioning to an Enterprise fund model, which is commonly used for utilities like water and sewer services. This model aims to provide better financial oversight and adapt to market fluctuations in the solid waste and recycling industries.

The proposed changes to the waste management program include a new 35-gallon trash cart service with an annual fee and options for weekly or bi-weekly collection. A sticker program for overflow trash bags and additional carts for a fee were also discussed. The board debated the financial implications of these changes, emphasizing the need for clear communication with residents about the potential cost increases and benefits of the new program.

16:59Another discussion revolved around the town’s cannabis policies. The board revisited the Cannabis Social Equity policy to ensure compliance with state-level changes. The board discussed the implications of adopting a policy that mandates a one-to-one ratio of social equity enterprises to non-social equity enterprises. Concerns about delays in economic growth if social equity businesses took too long to become operational were raised, and the importance of annual updates from social equity enterprises on their progress was emphasized.

34:48Host Community Agreements (HCAs) for cannabis retailers were also addressed. Mass Well Spring, the first cannabis retailer in Maynard, sought a renewal agreement due to delays with the Cannabis Control Commission’s updated HCA template. Sugarloaf’s situation differed, as it had received a notice of non-compliance regarding its HCA, prompting discussions about new agreements based on the accepted template.

2:54:00The meeting concluded with discussions on various financial allocations and infrastructure projects, including easements for sewer utilities and funding for wastewater treatment plant analysis. The board also reviewed the draft warrant articles for the upcoming special town meeting and emphasized the need for clear communication about their role in sponsoring these articles.