The MBTA’s proposal had initially stirred considerable public interest, resulting in a special select board meeting that drew nearly 500 residents. Frustrations were voiced about the lack of transparency and communication from the MBTA, particularly following the withdrawal of the notice of intent. There was unease regarding the possibility of the MBTA resubmitting the proposal, emphasizing the need for clarity on future intentions.

Further complicating the situation was the Board of Health’s decision to engage a qualified engineering firm to independently analyze potential environmental impacts related to air quality, noise, and vibration from the MBTA’s activities.

Meanwhile, the commission deliberated on a proposal for Zero Small Lane, where modifications to a single-family dwelling project were presented. The applicant’s representative outlined changes to the design, such as a reduction in tree removal from 57 to 35 trees and changes to the culvert crossing, reducing its length from 41 feet to 31 feet. These modifications aimed to address concerns about potential impacts on wetland buffers and drainage issues, particularly for nearby residents who reported wet basements.

The redesign incorporated a drainage system beneath the pavement and eliminated a detention basin to mitigate the proximity to wetland areas. Despite these efforts, the commission noted the need for further input from the fire department concerning the proposed hammerhead turnaround design. The commission also acknowledged ongoing dialogue with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and anticipated formal responses to remaining technical queries.

The discussion extended to conservation fees, where the initially proposed fee of $47,248 for the project was contested as excessively high for a single-family lot. A revised fee of $12,710 was considered, with the proposal to split the fee between the conservation commission fund and a wetland fee. The commission engaged in robust discourse over the principles of crediting tree removal against wetland replication.

Another topic was the proposal on Dustin Road, which involved the demolition of an existing home and construction of a new one within wetland buffer zones. The applicant’s representative highlighted a revised stormwater management plan to address runoff issues and confirmed updates to erosion control measures and efforts to address invasive species. Concerns about leaf dumping and lawn clippings were raised, with assurances that these issues would be rectified.

The meeting also tackled the topic of tree management, particularly at Zero Annette Lane, where the proposed construction of a new single-family home necessitated modifying the foundation layout while maintaining conservation setbacks. An abutter’s request for additional tree plantings for screening purposes led to discussions about the responsibilities of the new owner concerning tree planting and monitoring.