The stormwater management permit application was the focal point of the evening, with considerable time devoted to deliberating the peer review of the stormwater erosion and sediment control plan, and the legal review of drainage and access agreements between properties. The discussion revealed that there are still unresolved issues regarding the easement on 108 on behalf of 110, which lawyers are currently drafting and reviewing. Moreover, the meeting touched upon a waiver request for an easement to the town, which had been made before certain revisions.

Questions arose about the placement of proposed basins and their maintenance. One property owner voiced concerns about the proximity of the basins to their property line. The board clarified that these were temporary winter basins and that their locations would be staked out. However, there was a clear need for additional time to clarify the responsibilities associated with the permit.

Amidst these discussions, the board also emphasized the annual reporting requirements for maintaining the basins and the importance of private agreements between property owners and the developer. Concerns were raised about runoff from one property to another and the shared responsibility for managing water flow. These issues were deemed significant enough to warrant further discussion at the next meeting, as the board highlighted the critical nature of understanding and clarifying these responsibilities before proceeding with the permit.

In other matters, the board announced Townsend’s inclusion in the UPW grant program, which had received support from the State Representative and State Senator. This development was considered a substantial positive step for the town. Additionally, the board moved forward with administrative tasks, appointing Beth Faxon as the representative to the MJTC and another member as the representative to the MRPC.

The meeting also touched upon the advertising of a planning board member vacancy and received comments regarding the liaison process to the boards. Furthermore, the board discussed the review of the master plan, compliance updates regarding the MBTA Community zoning act, and bylaw changes for accessory apartments.

The board was informed of a public hearing notice from a neighboring town about a proposed ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array and battery energy storage system, illustrating regional developments in renewable energy infrastructure. Updates on a special election for an override, appointments and reappointments, upcoming educational sessions, and future meeting dates were also shared.

The planning board’s meeting concluded with a conversation about legal matters related to land use, emphasizing the importance of correct procedures and the board’s intention to schedule a meeting with an attorney for document review. Despite a board member’s scheduling conflict, a meeting was set for June 10th.