The permit for a common driveway was a topic of continued discussion from a prior meeting, with the board reviewing and accepting easement documents and survey plans in line with the Town Council’s proposed changes. A key aspect of the approval was the requirement for deed language to ensure all homes sharing the driveway have their agreements properly reflected. Following a public hearing, which raised no comments or questions from board members, the decision was made to approve the permit, and the hearing was closed.

One matter discussed was the notice of withdrawal from chapter 61a for a property on Central Street. The board received a notice of intent to sell the property, which spurred debate on whether the town should exercise its right of first refusal. Concerns were raised about the financial viability of such a purchase and its impact on the MBTA communities bylaw. The select board is expected to hold a public hearing on the matter, the date of which was not set during the meeting. The planning board resolved to recommend that the select board make the final decision regarding the land.

Additionally, the Planning Board addressed the Newbury Golf Center’s request for the approval of an as-built plan release and performance. Board members pointed out several elements that required validation, including the location of the dumpster, an outlet pipe, and the elevation of a structure. The conservation review for this project had been concluded, with the planning board indicating their intent to finalize matters after the select board addresses the raised concerns.

The reorganization of the Planning Board was another significant item on the agenda. The current chair expressed a wish to step down, and a senior member of the board, who had not previously served as chair, was nominated to assume the position. Discussions about the vice chair and clerk roles ensued, with the current vice chair willing to continue. Decisions regarding authorized signatories for plans, invoices, and payroll were made, as well as the continuance of the current liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

In her first report to the board, new Planning Director Kristen Grubbs expressed gratitude for the guidance received from the former chair and discussed the retirement of the previous director, Martha. Grubbs also acknowledged the contributions of an intern, Ella, and provided updates on the search for a new assistant planner. The position had been posted on various job boards. The planning projects mentioned included the grant for a feasibility study of the resilience of Plum Island Turnpike and the town’s designation as a green community. The latter involved submitting a proposal for an energy reduction initiative at Newbury Elementary School.

Lastly, future meetings were considered, with the next scheduled for August 7th, though adjustments for September were acknowledged due to the holiday. As the meeting drew to a close, the approval of meeting minutes was conducted, followed by a motion to adjourn.