A proposal for a new common driveway at 383 South Main Street remains in limbo after neighbors raised concerns regarding headlight glare and the Planning Board grappled with steep tree mitigation requirements. The project, which seeks to service three new lots, requires a Scenic Road Work Permit to remove 47 feet of an existing stone wall. Engineer Gregory Morris explained that shifting the entrance north was necessary for safety and topography, noting, Our proposal is to construct a new common driveway, shifting the entrance north by approximately 15 to 20 feet. While the applicant plans to replace the wall with 91 feet of new dry-laid stone, the removal of a 20-inch Norway Maple triggered a debate over the town’s strict environmental bylaws.

Peer reviewer Patrick Brennan highlighted a significant gap between the applicant’s plan and town regulations. Your requirements actually require 23 three-inch trees as mitigation if you do the calculation per your bylaw, Brennan noted, contrasting with the applicant's initial proposal of two native white oaks. The Norway Maple, while invasive, currently contributes to the streetscape. Chair Kevin Heine questioned the discrepancy, asking, What is the disconnect on this tree issue? A Norway Maple is an invasive species. Would the applicants entertain working with the Tree Warden for suitable replacements of native species? Member Deirdre Hobson supported a shift toward native planting, remarking, Regarding the invasive species, it would be nice to see some different trees along our historic roads.

Abutter Dana Eagles presented a detailed slideshow to the board, arguing that the new driveway configuration would beam headlights directly into his master bedroom. I am requesting evergreen screening from the stone wall up to the corner of my house, Eagles said, while also requesting that the new wall match the New England Fieldstone style of the existing structure. Applicant Stephen Bjorkland committed to resolving the glare issue, stating, We would never propose a screening that was not a conifer. It has to be an evergreen so it stays that way all year long to shed these lights. We will do whatever the Tree Warden requests.

The board ultimately decided to delay a final decision to allow the applicant time to meet with neighbors and the Tree Warden. Vice Chair Clark Brewer noted the procedural necessity of the delay, stating, Since we don't have a full board, the special permit would require a unanimous decision in order to pass. I wondered if we should ask the applicant if he wants to wait until our next meeting for a decision. Motion Made by C. Brewer to continue the Scenic Road and Common Driveway hearings to May 6, 2026. Motion Passed (4-0).

Beyond the South Main project, Town Planner Cassandra Thayer introduced a series of housekeeping zoning bylaw amendments intended for the Fall Town Meeting. The updates seek to clarify that accessory structures like swimming pools, HVAC equipment, and propane tanks must meet side and rear setback requirements. John Hallin requested we amend this because he noticed accessory structures were no longer contained in the notes for side or rear setbacks, Thayer explained. The board also discussed modernizing the definition of a structure to include sport courts—a move aimed at regulating the rise of residential pickleball and tennis courts.

The board expressed skepticism regarding a proposal to give the Building Inspector more leeway in defining structures. Member Birgit Schmidt-Wesche argued against the change, noting, The part about 'undefined structures as decided by the building inspector'—I find that a little too much of a blank check. Town Counsel Carolyn Murray agreed with the board’s caution, adding, I was going to comment on the undefined structures within the discretion of the building commissioner, but you all took care of that for me.

Finally, the board discussed the town’s ongoing MSBA Middle-High School project. The School Committee is currently seeking residents with backgrounds in architecture, engineering, or project management to serve on the building committee. While no Planning Board members immediately volunteered for the long-term commitment, Chair Heine emphasized the importance of the project, stating, The school is looking to set up a committee and get input from residents... I wanted to make this an item we discussed in case a member was inclined to volunteer. Vice Chair Brewer warned that the eventual price tag for the facility would likely result in everyone shocked at a future Town Meeting.