The focal point of the meeting was the proposed housing development on Route 28, a site previously occupied by a laundromat. The board addressed the applicant’s revised plans, which included reducing the number of residential units from 27 to 25 and increasing parking spaces from 30 to 39. The new proposal suggested access from Route 28 instead of Pine Grove, incorporating mixed-use elements with office space for an affordable housing organization on the first floor and residential units above. Concerns were raised about the project’s viability, particularly regarding setbacks from Route 28, parking adequacy, and waste management logistics.

The board discussed the challenges posed by the narrow lot, which complicated access and parking arrangements. Suggestions included repositioning buildings closer to the street and adopting angled parking to maximize space. However, this might reduce the number of parking spaces, conflicting with the Village Center Overlay District’s requirements. Additionally, the board expressed concerns about the feasibility of emergency vehicle access, especially with the potential for a dead-end, making refuse collection impractical.

The discussion also touched upon the project’s mixed-use nature, distinguishing it from fully affordable housing developments. The proposal aimed to include both affordable and market-rate units, raising questions about parking needs, particularly given the site’s location on a major road where residents might rely less on personal vehicles.

Further points revolved around the project’s entrance and exit strategy, with concerns about traffic congestion on Route 28, especially in the summer. The board questioned whether maintaining an entrance on Pine Grove could alleviate these concerns. The possibility of consolidating two buildings into one was suggested to free up space for additional parking or a recreational area, addressing community needs highlighted by the Community Housing Committee.

The ongoing dialogue with the applicant’s representative emphasized the necessity for clarity in the design process and the importance of addressing board concerns in future submissions. Members expressed a desire to focus discussions on concrete proposals rather than speculative elements. An upcoming hearing on November 13th was framed as an opportunity for further conceptual discussions, not a final approval of the project.

Traffic and infrastructure issues were another significant topic at the meeting. The board discussed problems with traffic signal detectors at the Forest and Winslow Gray intersection, which had been damaged during repaving, causing significant delays. The potential involvement of the Yarmouth Police Department was suggested to manage traffic until repairs were completed. A misplaced detour sign on North Main Street also caused confusion.

Infrastructure updates included ongoing sewer system developments, crucial for supporting any new housing projects. A participant clarified that the $207 million allocated for the sewer system included funding for the plant and that future costs for phase two would be lower. The urgency of addressing sewer needs was emphasized, with calls for improved coordination between town departments to ensure that sewer plans align with other redevelopment efforts.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming special town meeting scheduled for November 17th, with discussions about the local comprehensive plan (LCP). The select board reportedly supported the LCP, which is expected to pass without significant objection. However, there were mixed opinions regarding two zoning articles, and any amendments would be subject to the town meeting’s decision.

Committee assignments were briefly discussed, with members expressing preferences for various committees. The importance of active participation in committees like the community housing committee and community preservation committee was highlighted, emphasizing their roles in shaping town projects.