The most notable development discussed was the approval of a multifamily residential project on North Washington Street, a site formerly occupied by a rodeo. The proposed 40B development plans include four large buildings, a senior housing condominium, and surrounding townhomes. The project could contribute to the town’s affordable housing stock, aligning with local housing goals. However, the proposal has faced substantial opposition from residents concerned about its impact on local resources, such as water and schools. One resident questioned the necessity of further 40B projects, given the town’s current compliance with the 10% affordable housing requirement, and urged the board to ensure transparency and community awareness regarding the development’s potential effects on traffic and the environment. The developer’s representative reassured the board of their openness to feedback and acknowledged discrepancies in surveying that might influence the project’s scope.

In addition to housing development, the board addressed the new civil service hybrid model approved by the state as part of an Economic Development Bill. This model permits the fire department to hire up to 50% of its candidates from outside the traditional civil service system. The fire chief highlighted the ongoing challenges in hiring paramedics and emphasized the necessity of this new pathway to attract qualified candidates. Despite this flexibility, all candidates must still meet existing requirements, including age restrictions and physical tests. The agreement for this model is valid for five years, with an option to renew.

Another notable topic was the Traffic Safety Committee’s presentation on realigning the town center, a long-standing issue. Three options were presented, each with implications. The first option involves rerouting traffic to the right of the Unitarian Church, requiring the removal of a modern home and part of Wheaton College property, with costs potentially covered by the state. The second option, considered the least favorable, involves legal challenges over the town common area. The third and favored option is a roundabout, though it could impact local properties and access routes, potentially leading to legal disputes over easements. The committee voted 6 to 5 in favor of the roundabout, despite concerns about its impact on local businesses and the effectiveness of the traffic management alternatives.

The meeting also covered administrative matters, including the establishment of a salary range for the next town manager. The search committee recommended a range of $175,000 to $225,000, which was met with general agreement to attract a suitable candidate pool. The board also discussed a proposal for a new ambulance billing contract, approving a continuation with the current contractor, EMS Pro Solutions, as the current contract expires in June.

Additionally, the board addressed a letter of support for the Blue Apple bus company, which operates a route from the Mansfield train station to Logan Airport. The bus service has seen a 40% increase in ridership and has received federal seed money for financial viability. The board plans to request additional funds from the Massachusetts Office of Transportation to support the service’s continuation, emphasizing the state’s mandate for accessible transportation options.

Other items on the agenda included a real estate exemption for veterans under the Heroes Act, which was tabled for a future meeting, and a highway department funding request for tree services, with the board deliberating on whether to integrate this expense into the regular budget. The discussion also covered a proposal to increase the cap on a revolving fund for mattress recycling from $20,000 to $40,000, highlighting its importance in providing legal disposal options for residents.