A central point of the meeting was the presentation by Woodmont Properties Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Stephen Santola, who detailed the redevelopment plan for the former industrial site at 408 US Route 202. The plan includes the creation of a state-of-the-art distribution facility, the acquisition of adjacent lots, and the donation of a lot to the municipality for preservation. Santola emphasized the project’s compliance with the Redevelopment plan and review by the board’s professionals. Concerns about the potential for hazardous material storage, truck traffic impact, and building aesthetics were raised, with Santola providing assurances about design and adherence to regulations.

The board and applicant discussed the project’s compliance with green infrastructure requirements and the flood hazard permit granted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The board engineer confirmed that the project complies with green infrastructure requirements, and discussions also touched on the verification of closure samples from the underground storage tank. The installation of a community solar project on the warehouse roof and the donation of an adjacent lot to the town were considered.

The meeting addressed the stormwater management plan in detail, with questions raised about the calculations, sizing, and impact on nearby roads such as Reading Road. The board sought clarification on heavy rainfall impact, drainage patterns, and potential flooding, with concerns also raised about the responsibility for the maintenance and repair of an existing drain pipe under 202. The environmental commission’s report highlighted issues with soil permeability rates and proposed bio retention basins.

The board discussed waivers related to sidewalk width, parking ratio, and on-site power company easements, agreeing to remove the waiver for sidewalk width and discussing adjustments to the parking ratio waiver. The applicant provided testimony to address concerns about hours and days of operation, the number of employees, and truck circulation plans.

The potential for a second trash enclosure, the placement of a light next to the dumpster, and the provision of setback dimensions were also discussed.

Public attendees raised issues regarding the responsibility for installing solar panels, changes in laws regarding permits, and the process of remediation of the contaminated site. The board explained their compliance with existing laws, the role of the licensed site remediation professional, and the filtration and treatment process for stormwater runoff.

The project architect presented the building’s design, including construction materials and consideration for solar readiness. The landscape expert reviewed the plans, suggesting planting to mimic a dense Evergreen buffer and discussing tree removal, replacement, and protection. Concerns about landscaping around air conditioning units, noise, and truck traffic were clarified, with the proximity to the middle school being a particular point of concern.