05:50The most notable development was the board’s decision to approve the use of a $50,000 ARPA grant for the Hicksbridge Landing dock replacement project. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve stormwater management, originally proposed by former town planner Jim Hartnett. The project involves purchasing new docks to enhance safety and usability, especially given the current dock’s condition, which has been deemed unsafe due to cracks and deterioration.

Two quotes were considered for the dock replacement: one from Bordon Light for $46,750 and another from Easy Do for $41,490. After much discussion, the board approved the Bordon Light quote, aligning with the landing commission’s recommendation. The decision was not without debate; one board member opposed the motion, arguing that simply replacing the docks without enhancements missed an opportunity for improvement. This member suggested that larger floats could provide additional benefits.

In contrast, other members supported the incremental approach, emphasizing that the existing floats were approaching the end of their functional lifespan, and replacing them was a prudent step. They noted ongoing traffic from the boat ramp and commercial vessels. The conversation also touched on the impact of sea-level rise on the current dock structure and the need for future improvements to ensure safety during boat launches.

10:04Another notable topic involved the purchase and sale agreement under review for a large parcel on Sodom Road, reportedly under contract for $3 million. Board members raised concerns about the property’s valuation, noting its extended listing period without successful offers. The board expressed a preference to preserve the land due to wetlands on-site, which would complicate potential development. They recommended to the select board that the Chapter 61A restriction on the property should not be released, receiving unanimous support for this motion.

01:06:23The board also addressed the implications of large-scale solar development, focusing on a proposed nearly 100-acre lot. Concerns centered around the state’s approach to solar energy, particularly the adequacy of community outreach and the potential impact on farmland. Existing regulations limit solar arrays to 12 acres, but questions arose about whether larger applications could proceed without clearing land. This uncertainty led to concerns about the potential impact on farmland and the rigor of soil evaluation maps.

34:36In addition, the board endorsed a letter to the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board, outlining concerns about the 2024 climate act and its impact on local siting of renewable energy facilities. The act’s provisions would remove local control over solar energy facility permitting, transferring authority to the energy siting board. The letter advocated for stricter regulations to protect local community interests and land use plans.

01:04:30The meeting also covered zoning regulation discussions aimed at promoting starter housing. Current zoning, which has evolved to require larger lot sizes, was seen as overly restrictive, limiting opportunities for modest two-bedroom homes. Suggestions included reducing lot sizes to 20,000 square feet and allowing shared utilities to encourage denser developments. The board acknowledged the need for Westport to proactively address housing demands while balancing environmental protection.