The roundabout proposal, presented by representatives from PAR Engineering, aimed to replace the current intersection control with a roundabout to improve safety and traffic efficiency. However, the design faced scrutiny, particularly regarding its impact on local wetlands and its capacity to accommodate larger vehicles, such as fire trucks and water trucks. Residents voiced apprehensions about the roundabout’s turning radius, fearing it might not be adequate for larger vehicles. One resident stressed the need for further modifications.

In response, commission members emphasized the importance of securing all necessary easements and coordinating with local departments, such as the fire department, to ensure the design’s functionality. The discussion also touched on the environmental implications, with a focus on maintaining compliance with wetland regulations. The roundabout project involves significant wetland alterations, including a permanent alteration of 508 square feet and a temporary alteration of 116 square feet to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW). To mitigate these impacts, a wetland replication area of 1,087 square feet was proposed, designed to offset the wetland loss.

Despite these mitigation plans, concerns persisted regarding the roundabout’s efficacy and safety. A commission member noted, “I hate to see you get an approval for a plan that’s not going to work,” highlighting the need for a thorough evaluation of the design’s practicality. They cited the complexity and potential confusion roundabouts could create for drivers, advocating for simpler solutions like traffic lights.

Residents also raised concerns about the potential impact on property safety, particularly for those living close to the intersection. One resident, Michelle Cardi, expressed fears for her home’s safety, given the roundabout’s design and the potential trajectory of large vehicles during adverse weather conditions. She argued that the existing intersection configuration might be safer, citing a lack of recent fatalities or accident increases.

The commission acknowledged the contentious nature of the project, recognizing that approval based on environmental compliance should not be mistaken for an endorsement of the roundabout’s design.

In parallel, the commission reviewed two requests for septic system repairs on Benoy Street. The first request involved properties at 91 and Benoy Street, where the existing septic system was failing. The proposal entailed installing a new system meeting DEP and town regulations, with no work occurring within 50 feet of the flagged wetland line. Similarly, a request for a property on Benoy Street involved replacing a failing septic system with a new installation outside the 50-foot buffer. Both projects were approved unanimously, pending board of health approval.

The meeting also touched on a project on Jillian Way, which required tree removal within a buffer zone to install a well and water line. The commission approved this request, emphasizing erosion control measures to stabilize the area post-construction.