The most pressing topic was the site plan review application submitted by Whiffle Tree Works, a nonprofit educational organization. The public hearing for this application began at 7:15 p.m., with discussions centering on the proposed expansion of parking areas around a historic barn. The project aims to support the organization’s mission of promoting arts and nature appreciation. Damon, representing Whiffle Tree Works, presented the proposal, which included designated parking spots for handicapped access and overflow parking options for larger events. The plan also addressed emergency vehicle access, a critical concern raised by both the police and fire departments.

The police chief had previously reviewed the project, stating that the proposed plan did not hinder emergency vehicle access. Conversely, the fire chief expressed concerns about the accessibility of the hay barn, recommending the removal of boulders and alterations to fencing to improve access. These recommendations were pivotal in the board’s consideration of the site’s safety and compliance with local regulations.

Board members and residents raised numerous questions and concerns about the project’s impact on the neighborhood. Larry, a board member, inquired about a past event that led to significant parking issues on Orchard Street. Damon acknowledged the problem, explaining that the event had attracted more attendees than anticipated, resulting in overflow parking onto the street. To address this, the proposed plan includes approximately 34 event parking spaces, alongside six regular spaces and two handicapped spaces. Damon emphasized that these were not new parking areas but designated existing spaces to manage future events better.

Public comments highlighted various concerns, including traffic flow, noise, and the project’s adherence to historical restrictions. One resident of Maple Street detailed past traffic congestion during events, urging the board to consider the impact on emergency vehicle access. Another resident from Austin Lane expressed worries about parking on their property and noise disruptions, particularly at night.

The discussion also touched on the project’s operational aspects, such as the use of porta-potties due to the barn’s lack of plumbing. Damon explained that while there were plans to introduce a septic system in the future, the current plan involved using porta-potties, which the Board of Health had approved. Questions about the barn’s maximum capacity and the timing of events were also raised, with Damon confirming that events would be limited to daytime to ensure safety.

The board’s deliberations extended to the project’s compliance with historic restrictions established in 1976. These restrictions cover buildings, landscapes, and any alterations to the property, requiring adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for historic properties. Concerns were voiced about the proposed layout and material for parking spaces, with clarifications made that only handicap parking would use stone dust, while other parking would be on grass.

Residents Lori Collins and Alyssa Rice provided testimonies regarding traffic and safety concerns. Lori suggested that board members with personal or business ties to the applicant review ethics regulations, while Alyssa emphasized safety concerns for pedestrians during events. Alyssa recalled past events where traffic became unmanageable, highlighting the need for better planning and oversight.

The meeting also addressed procedural concerns about the project’s compliance with the Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) framework. One participant called for a re-evaluation of waivers granted for curbing, sidewalk, and stormwater management requirements. This participant suggested that the project’s broad scope could exploit the educational clause to facilitate commercial activities rather than legitimate educational endeavors.

In response to public concerns, Damon clarified aspects of the project, including the intended public use of the property and compliance with historical landscape regulations. The planning board debated the need for a site visit and peer review to assess drainage and stormwater management, ultimately deciding to continue the public hearing to October 16th to gather further information.