0:00A key highlight of the meeting was the approval of the ANR plan for Greenville Road, represented by Kevin Con from David Ross Associates on behalf of abst realty LLC. Despite the irregular shapes of the lots, the proposal met the town’s zoning standards for frontage and area requirements. The board members, while expressing initial confusion over the lot configurations, were reassured by Con that the easement crossing several lots would not hinder access. The endorsement of the plan was unanimous, with members noting that the planning board is not required to seek conservation commission approval before endorsing such plans.

23:48The board then tackled broader discussions about housing and zoning, particularly the issues surrounding tiny homes and affordable housing. The potential for initiating tiny home ordinances was raised, with considerations for age-restricted housing and the challenges posed by water and septic system regulations in Townsend’s sandy soils. The board recognized the need for a structured approach to tiny home development.

Affordable housing was another focal point, with a proposal from the affordable housing trust on the table for an upcoming town meeting. The board discussed the feasibility of increasing housing density to address the affordable housing shortage, balancing this with the interests of private developers. The concept of an inclusionary bylaw was considered, with members acknowledging the need to create a welcoming environment for developers to ensure successful implementation of affordable housing projects.

43:06Zoning compliance issues surfaced during the meeting, involving a contentious project previously approved by the board. Concerns were raised about the project’s adherence to zoning bylaws, with some members arguing that it should not have been approved. The board recognized the need for clarity in their roles concerning zoning and site plan reviews.

Economic development also featured prominently in the meeting, with references to the District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program and its focus on planning for growth. The board acknowledged Townsend’s infrastructure challenges and expressed interest in establishing a planning program to identify economic development priorities. A member agreed to liaise with the town planner to gather insights for a well-rounded expression of interest related to the MBTA project and economic development.

Further updates were provided on various ongoing projects, including the FEMA flood mapping project for the Nashua River Watershed. The board emphasized the importance of adopting the necessary bylaw amendments by July 8, 2025, to remain compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program. Correspondence was also discussed regarding the Lock Brook solar array, highlighting concerns over stormwater management and compliance with site plan approval conditions.