The special permit was a point of contention, with implications for the town’s zoning bylaws and development patterns. The conversation emphasized the importance of balancing development with responsible planning, taking into account the potential strain on local resources and infrastructure.

In addition to the Old Harbor Road development, the board also addressed a range of other topics. The request by Coastal Healing for an extension on work within the Route 6 Corridor was approved, pushing the deadline to August 1st, 2024, due to delays in the scheduled completion of work. This extension is critical for the project’s timely progress and will ensure the necessary work is completed within the new timeframe.

Another notable discussion surrounded a proposal on Main Road, where an approval not required (ANR) plan was endorsed. The applicant presented a plan to divide an existing lot into two, with both lots meeting the town’s bylaws for frontage and area requirements. A common driveway is included in the plan to provide access to the buildable areas on the lots.

The board also engaged in a pre-application consultation for a residential home business motorcycle restoration on State Road. The proposal included stormwater management considerations and raised questions about the need for stormwater mitigation and the potential requirement of a variance for combining residential and business activities on the same lot. The applicant was advised to consult with the Southeast Regional Headquarters for guidance on stormwater management and to reach out to the appropriate authorities to address concerns and move forward with the approval process.

A site plan review for a different property prompted debate over the necessity of low impact development requirements. The board discussed the fees associated with the site plan review, including a major site plan fee and a consultant fee.

The meeting also covered the closure and release of consultant review balances for various property development plans, an approval not required plan for a two-lot land division, and a continuation of a public hearing for a specific property development.

Furthermore, the board discussed a zoning amendment concerning Science and Technology overlay District amendments and the Westport Gateway District, deciding to refer these articles back to the planning board for further study at the town meeting.

Updates on various projects were provided, including a congressional spending request for a sewer project, a grant application for a coastal resilience plan, and progress on the Quick’sand River Rail Trail project through the transportation improvement program. The formation of a core team for an MVP 2.0 grant and the selection of a vendor for an online permitting grant were also discussed.

Additionally, the planning board submitted an expression of interest for developing a neighborhood plan for the Route 88 area, in collaboration with neighboring towns, to explore housing development and business zoning improvements.

During the meeting, two residents, Tom Lochman and Patty Lucarelli, raised concerns about water flow on their properties due to nearby development, with Lochman providing detailed information about changes in water flow and flooding. John Danforth suggested a site visit during heavy rain to observe water flow patterns. The assistant planner provided updates on lingering funds for various projects, including a need to address issues in Walter’s Way.

Lastly, the meeting included a discussion on an administrative appeal at six Wildberry Way regarding the conversion of a property into condominiums, debating the compatibility with zoning bylaws.