A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing an upcoming public hearing on proposed amendments to the town’s zoning bylaws. These amendments, set to be addressed in a joint meeting by the Townsend Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen, involve substantial changes such as revising accessory dwelling unit regulations, establishing a new site plan approval process, and modifying requirements for age-restricted developments. The changes aim to streamline procedures and adapt zoning laws to better meet the town’s evolving needs. The public hearing for these amendments is scheduled for January 9, 2025, and will be held both in person and via Zoom.

In another key agenda item, the commission discussed appointing a representative to the conservation restriction committee for Spook Meadows. This committee’s formation is crucial as it ties into the local soccer league’s plans to expand its fields. The expansion requires a conservation restriction on the property, which is owned by the town, to comply with criteria from the National Heritage program. The committee will include members from various town boards and stakeholders.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon routine procedural matters, such as the continuation of a notice of intent for a property on Son Ro Road, which was rescheduled for the commission’s next meeting on January 22, 2025.