The high school project was presented by Claire Hogabone from LEC Environmental Consultants, who detailed the plans for a podium-style building designed for grades 9 through 12. This innovative design includes parking beneath the structure with a first-floor elevation above the 100-year floodplain, allowing floodwaters to pass underneath during severe weather events. Additional features include five tennis courts, two synthetic athletic fields, and a natural outdoor classroom with boardwalks and paths. The project aims to balance educational needs with environmental sustainability by incorporating geothermal wells for heating and cooling and a commitment to reducing impervious surfaces by six and a half acres.

Environmental concerns were a central topic of discussion, particularly in relation to groundwater contamination near the site. The project plans to address these issues during construction, employing stormwater management techniques such as catch basins, filter units, and swales to achieve high removal rates of total suspended solids. The design aims to improve stormwater rates and recharge, aligning with regulatory standards and ensuring pollution prevention measures are in place.

Despite the comprehensive plan, skepticism arose regarding the effectiveness of a planned stormwater tank, particularly during extreme weather events. Some participants advocated for “greening the site” as a more effective long-term solution, emphasizing the benefits of reducing pavement to enhance site resilience against future weather conditions. Concerns about the soil profile and its impact on drainage were also addressed, with assurances provided that the foundation design accounted for urban fill and potential clay layers to ensure effective drainage.

The commission debated the necessity of a third-party review of the project’s extensive 400-page stormwater report. One participant expressed concern about the commission’s ability to identify potential oversights in such detailed documentation. While some commissioners felt confident in the thoroughness of existing reviews, others emphasized the importance of due diligence and expressed reservations about making a decision without further scrutiny.

The discussion also touched on the role of the Eastern County ditch, a perennial stream that serves as a critical drainage resource. The maintenance and accessibility of the ditch were highlighted as ongoing concerns, with the possibility of enclosing it in a culvert raised but ultimately dismissed due to regulatory restrictions. The commission recognized the importance of maintaining the ditch and committed to regular inspections to prevent sediment accumulation.

Community concerns were not limited to the high school project. A homeowner from 28 Shamud Street raised issues about vegetation overgrowth from city-owned property affecting her home and drainage problems that could worsen with the new project. She also expressed concern about an eagle’s nest on a tower within the project area, with assurances provided that construction would not disturb the nest until the eagle had migrated.

In other matters, the commission addressed a request for a determination of applicability regarding the removal of a billboard on Northshore Road. The applicant assured the commission that the work would be conducted using hand tools to avoid environmental disruption, leading to a motion for a negative determination and approval.