The most pressing discussion at the meeting involved the proposed redevelopment of a three-and-a-half-acre site on West Central Street, known as Native Crossings. The proposal includes demolishing the existing strip mall to build a new five-story building with 219 residential units and 4,000 square feet of non-residential space. This project aims to enhance the area in line with the West Central Corridor zoning district’s goals, leveraging proximity to transit. Representatives from the project team, including members from Gables Residential Services and engineering and landscape architecture consultants, presented the redevelopment plan, emphasizing significant public amenities such as a plaza and a shared-use path.

The commission took particular interest in the environmental impact of the project, focusing on the proposed stormwater management system designed to reduce impervious surfaces and improve conditions around a nearby wetland. The project plans involve pulling back existing paved areas from the resource area to install subsurface utilities and landscaping, with the aim of creating a net environmental improvement. A civil engineer detailed the stormwater system, which includes catch basins and subsurface infiltration systems to manage stormwater during various storm events, intending to reduce discharge to the wetland.

Landscape plans were also presented, highlighting native species plantings to enhance biodiversity. Erosion control measures, including the use of silt socks rather than traditional silt fences, were discussed to minimize soil disturbance. The commission reviewed a comprehensive operation and maintenance plan to ensure the stormwater system remains effective post-construction.

However, the commission chose to delay the issuance of a stormwater permit to provide the applicant time to respond to staff comments and align with the planning board’s timeline. A site visit was scheduled for July 7th to allow commission members to better understand the project’s impact. The commission emphasized the importance of ensuring the drainage system’s design aligns with existing outfalls and that all conditions reflect the comprehensive nature of the project.

In a related discussion, the meeting addressed a proposal for a new single-family home construction adjacent to a wetland. The commission reviewed special conditions that deviate from standard practices, requiring additional soil testing following demolition of the existing structure. Construction on the new home cannot commence until these tests are completed and reviewed. Conditions also included marking the 40-foot no-build zone to prevent disturbances in the state land abutting the site.

The commission unanimously supported the issuance of the order of conditions for this project once the conditions were thoroughly discussed.

Another agenda item involved a request for determination of applicability for a project on South Main Street. The applicant, represented by Ted Garland, sought approval to replace an existing one-car garage with a two-car garage and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above, intended for family use. The project required careful consideration of local buffer zones and stormwater management due to an intermittent stream and the property’s location within the Aquifer protection district. The commission approved a negative three determination, indicating the project was not in a resource area, allowing the applicant to proceed with adherence to the proposed plan.

The meeting also touched on a continuation for a project on Peterson Road and discussions on a notice of intent for a property on Beaver Dam Road, where a waiver from stormwater management requirements was requested due to high groundwater levels. This waiver was supported based on the lot’s circumstances, with special conditions established to ensure proper erosion control and planting supervision.

In the general business section, a proposal regarding mesh core repeaters raised concerns, with a member suggesting referral to the select board for broader municipal policy consideration. Updates were provided on various local projects, including the rebid for the pick pond floating boardwalk and trailhead improvements at Town Forest. An alarming incident at Piro Pond involving a sparking wire from a downed power line was swiftly managed, preventing potential disaster.