During the meeting, the board addressed the Sunset Club project at 2-8 Old Point Road. The applicant requested a continuance of the public hearing to November 5th to resolve outstanding zoning board of appeals issues. The board agreed unanimously, allowing the applicant more time to address these concerns.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Central Street developments, with particular attention given to a proposed driveway connection to Central Court. The board heard from a transportation consultant who detailed a technical memo evaluating access modifications. The consultant described realignment plans for Central Court that promised improved traffic flow and safety, citing potential sightline improvements exceeding 305 feet, well above the criteria for the area’s speed limit. The proposed changes aimed to enhance safety for vehicles exiting onto Central Street and provide necessary secondary access for emergency vehicles, as recommended for developments with 30 or more units.

In parallel, the board reviewed the preliminary subdivision application for a property on Central Street, where modifications were proposed to accommodate a duplex unit. Technical difficulties delayed the presentation of the modified plans, which involved relocating the driveway to address previous concerns from a site walk with board members. The board emphasized the need for future soil testing for drainage and septic systems and discussed stormwater mitigation strategies. A board member clarified that while they conducted a site walk, no formal decision was made on the driveway relocation at that time.

Another pressing discussion involved the 44-unit multifamily development on Central Street. The legal counsel for the applicant updated the board, noting that most comments from an earlier review had been addressed, with only minor issues remaining. These included ensuring compliance with septic reserve area guidelines and configuring the site appropriately. The board recognized the need for additional peer review comments, especially regarding traffic and sightline assessments, to ensure comprehensive evaluation before moving forward.

The board also considered the complexities of roadway specifications and waivers. A particular point of focus was the proposed reduction in roadway width from 22 feet to 20 feet. The applicant acknowledged an error in the site plans indicating a narrower road, which would be corrected. The board emphasized the necessity of obtaining fire department approval for such changes.

Additionally, discussions covered the incorporation of maintenance agreements into individual deeds, rather than forming a homeowners association, and ensuring legal guidance is sought to validate these agreements. This approach was taken due to the small scale of some projects.

Public comments played a role in the meeting, with residents voicing concerns about the proximity of leach fields to private wells and the visual impact of proposed berms on neighboring properties. The board acknowledged these concerns and suggested further surveys to ensure compliance with town guidelines.

The meeting concluded with updates on an existing project on Newburyport Turnpike, known as Newbury Self Storage. The board closed out the site plan after confirming compliance with safety standards and addressing previous lighting concerns raised by Scott, which had impacted surrounding residential areas.