001Good evening everyone and welcome to the Ashlin Planning Board meeting of Thursday, April 24th, 2025. I'm calling the meeting to order at 7:18 and I remind want to remind the audience at home that the well and in the room that the meeting is being broadcast and recorded. First on our agenda today um as always is clerk's report. Thank you, Madam Chair. We have received correspondence um uh one correspondence since the last board. Okay. And um is that anything that you have to remind me? Was that something I needed to address? I don't remember. I I think I could probably put the generic. I feel like it's a little bit not the right answer for that. So maybe if the board approves, we should sometimes you and I craft something a little bit different. Okay. Can
002you I just remember to give a heads up about that if I Yeah, it was um they So it was a comment about the 40 project. Um Okay. And I feel like since that's not in front of our board, if I give the generic, it's going to be a little it would it could be perceived as dismissive. Okay. So, if you guys Well, it's only you right now approved. Okay. I'll um I'll go back and look at that. All right. So, um next on the agenda is public comments. What's that? Well, we do have a we're going to have obviously public comments about um about other issues tonight. So, are you making a general public comment or are you going to be associating your public comments with other things on the agenda? Yeah. Okay. So,
003so if I call for public comment right now, we can open up to public general public comment. I don't see anyone hanging out online, so I'll address you personally, Mark. Are you good with no no general public comment? Okay. All right. Then we will go on to the next agenda item. And we have decided to take 401, sorry, 501 first. Great. Perfect. I tried to text you, but I was not quite in time. Excellent. Okay. No, no worries. Okay. Um Okay. So, then we will go on to public hearings. Oh, no. We're not going to go out to public hearings. We're going to skip public hearings for the moment, and we're going to go down to item five on our agenda, which is a request for a minor modification um to the 501 Pond Street
004project. Um and the decision was dated December 8th, 2025. them. Anna Tesminiski on our board has recused herself because she is in a butter to that property. So, um I will turn I will turn the podium over to you. I do not know your name. Chris. Nice to meet you. Thank you. Yeah. So, I guess I can just give a quick intro. Yes, please. Chris reached out to the planning office. Um there was a little of uh downtime that the email went to Peters and then he finally came back to me just to let me know that they will would like to be on the agenda because they are trying to purchase the project that it was permitted on 501 Pon Street and they're looking to do a minor modification. So that being said you
005uh so yeah my name is Chris Grant with Wind Development and I'm joined by Michael O'Brien from wind development as well. Uh so we wanted to take the opportunity to uh introduce ourselves and provide a quick update on 501 Bond Street and request two modifications. Um so we can uh jump into Yeah. Oh, sorry. Is that the uh Yep. Okay. Um so as Alvo mentioned uh we have entered into an agreement with DRA to purchase 501. So we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce ourselves for those of you who don't know aren't familiar with wind development uh provide an update and go through and out of the so we can start with a quick uh quick overview I'm sorry first uh quick overview of the team the project team. So wind development we are
006the proposed developer. Uh Icon architecture is the architect. Angus construction is the and our attorney uh SMAC um is the land use. So I'll turn it over to Mike for a quick uh update on wind companies. Thank you. Madam Chair, well, members of the committee, uh we're thrilled to be here uh tonight uh talking about 501 Pawn Street as a potential, but we're more pleased to be here in Ashland. We've been looking fondly at your community for years as potential opportunities, knowing there's been a lot of work done locally on planning uh the entire community and certainly looking very closely at housing and how desirable Ashland is. So, we've been following that closely. We've also looked at other properties on Pawn Street and at one point we're working on potential of the existing Shaw Plaza
007to take a portion of that and transition that to to housing. that did not happen. But this 501 Pawn Street opportunity came before us and we thought uh that this would be perfect a perfect marriage of winds and company's um abilities and um uh not only that but uh also one that would marry closely with the goals of the town of Ashland. And so with that, we're here before you obviously to talk about 501 Pawn Street and this acquisition by Wind Companies, Wind Development, U to turn this into what was previously an 8020 deal, 80% market, 20% affordable to a much more mixed income property, something I think that complements Ashland and and really reflects the existing demographics of Ashland. But I'll let Chris go into those details. um wind companies. We're based out of
008Boston with deep roots in Massachusetts. Um familyowned uh and we are privately held. Um and when you look at our portfolio between development, we also are premier provider of military housing on some 13 military bases. Uh and we also manage our own product. We are not merchant builders. We develop and we hold properties uh for perpetuity. uh and we manage them ourselves. So who you see here today, company that we represent is somebody you'll see here tomorrow and for decades to come. Uh for those questions, comments and also corporate citizenry uh and uh commitment to the local community. That's where we are and what we're all about. Um and you'll note some of the statistics here. They're very impressive. Um you we've got some 4,400 employees across the country. uh and about 52% of our
009entire company's made up uh of uh minorities holding managerial positions. So we are uh reflective of the company communities we work in and we care about the places that we do business within. Uh and beyond that um we are also a major player here in Massachusetts on policy around housing and helping uh forge that government and uh private sector partnership that makes housing and affordable housing for all incomes possible. Uh Chris, I don't know is there another slide with my me? Wind. Yes. So wind management I mentioned earlier we we are um one of the largest affordable housing management companies in the country. Uh and uh right now under management approximately 120,000 apartment homes and we work side by side with government. So from all the things that need to happen course of affordable housing
010compliance reporting uh making sure that all the necessary eyes are dotted and teased are crossed in a very specialized world of affordable housing where uh preeminent uh in that field. Um and uh we do work very hard to make sure that we include in our hirings uh on projects particularly uh across the board in wind development and also when residential is including a minority and women business enterprises. um and you know something $240 million to date uh investments in that world in order to make sure that in our success we're working side by side with those in the community that can use those opportunities to raise their prospects and and futures. Um we also have a connected communities which we embed into our real estate. Uh and that connected communities is a dedicated team of
011folks that work to make sure that our residents have access to the resources of the community, have access to programs and other factors that give them the services and the leg up that they need uh to improve their lives and and certainly add value to the community as a whole. And you can see here from our government and corporate resources uh we do everything in house. Uh and so all that work is done uh in the accountability from the top with Gilbert win right through to u wind development with Larry Curtis, president of wind development through to the entire organization. It's one-stop shopping for those in the community or those in government wanting to make sure they can interact with our community. Uh to a point where Gilbert Wood will take a direct call from
012any of you this room to ask a question about our company or to bring up a concern about one of our properties. And so with that, I'll uh I'll bring Chris back up to talk about 501 Pond Street. Again, we're excited about this opportunity. Uh we think we can bring a dynamic mixed income uh community to 501 Pond from what was primarily a market rate project. Uh and we've brought some other uh improvements to the project itself to improve the design and I think to improve the overall uh relationship with with Ashlin proper. So with that, thank you. I'll turn it back over to Chris. Thank you, Mike. Uh, so as some of you may be aware, uh, the project 501 Pond Street has been stalled for some time. Uh, so wind has entered into
013an agreement to purchase, uh, site from Tras Development. Uh, and think that, you know, we have a, uh, viable path forward from a financing. Um, as I'm sure you're aware, there's a lot of constraints in the market right now. it's difficult to get housing uh development started. Um so we have uh we'd like to you know talk about the uh proposed financing plan going for bond financing low-inccome housing tax credits. Um but you know in addition to having the uh you know financing path that we think is viable uh wind was attracted to this opportunity because think that uh uh the current ownership as well as the planning board really good job with design something that we're excited proud to step in take ownership. So you know to that end like to you know make
014a note that we have no uh plans to uh change the design of the facade or the overall building. So the total unit count at 120 is the same unit mix between one bedrooms and two bedrooms same. Um there will be we do anticipate a couple of updates to the programming uh within the building to facilitate uh wind management way that we operate. To Mike's point, we operate in perpetu long-term owners and there's a number of things that we like to see know a few examples including generated. So, that's something to see included in this development. Um, or the addition of a few more offices adjacent to the lobby for on-site property management and leasing staff to have right there on site. And then, you know, some tweaks to the like to see the room
015for parties, things like that. So, there's a couple of tweaks to the interior, the the unit count and unit uh uh mix between two bedrooms staying as is well as the outdoor and exterior features such as the uh wounderf adjacent to Pond Street and the retail space on the corner. Those are elements that we find really exciting about it. Um wanted to to touch on that. So to facilitate this uh financing that we do anticipate increasing affordable component. So uh currently the special permit states that 25% of affordable 30 units at 80%. So we do anticipate increasing affordability uh financing option work. Um it would be when I say affordable uh I'm referencing an income ban between 30 and 60%. Uh in addition to that, we anticipate uh a workforce housing tier as well. So
016that's a tier between 80 and 120%. Um we have another slide that talks about what that means in terms of income limits and uh prospective residents that may qualify and occupations within those income tiers. Uh so we'll get to that. Um that's next we have timeline. I'll I'll come back to timeline. So the uh we have a slide on you know who will live at 501 Pond Street. So going back to those income tiers, we gave an example for the affordable tier between 30 and 60% AMI. Uh so using a one-bedroom as an example, this is somebody who is earning between 37 and $74,000. So to give an example of some occupations, it's a you know a new police officer uh or you know a new teacher town um as an example. The workforce housing
017tier 80 and 120% AMI uh using a twobedroom as an example that's a range of income between 119,000 78 uh between two uh I think it's a three person limit for for so it's a combining and an example of a few occupations there is you know a firefighter uh registered nurse or a financial analyst so uh project timeline just to uh refresh you on the some of the milestones to date. So the special permit approval was December 8th uh 2022. The special permit expiration uh was December 8th, 2024. The extension which uh previous ownership ownership came before the board to um have approved was on December 9th, 2024. And uh the the request for the modification to this special permit which we're here before you today was initially submitted to the planning department in April
018uh of of 2025. So uh to the bond financing uh fin uh approach the future timeline that we expect um you know this is this would be a priority for when so we would uh we would be looking to apply as soon as possible. And what that means is submitting the pre-application in Q4 2025, so November of this year. The full application would be in February of 2026. Typically financing awards uh are provided uh or given in in spring of that year following the the full application. So June July of 2026 and then we would be full speed ahead to commence construction in the second half of 2026. Um and so to to make this financing uh path viable we are requesting two amendments to the special permit. So the first is in relation to
019uh the general requirement 15 which states that any transfer of the special permit from the uh applicant to another entity must be approved by the planning board. So we are requesting uh the planning board's approval for uh TRA uh to transfer the special permit to wind development which in turn at uh you know we intend to create a special purpose entity uh specifically for this project. So we would ask your approval to you know facilitate the transfer from wind development to that uh special permit entity as well. And second to uh facilitate the increase of affordability uh in relation to special permit uh requirement one that states that 25% of the units are to be affordable at 80% AMI. We're asking for an amendment to that language to say no less than 25% of the
020units to be affordable at 80%. which would uh make the increase in affordability possible. So with that like to open it up for any questions. Thank you. Yes. So the um you had mentioned um a workforce housing I think you you called it from 80% to 120 of AMI. So what is that range? What does that range from the from 80 to 120? That would not count, I don't think, on our as HS or SHI. Is that right? So, so I our our intent is that all units will qualify for SHI. Um all all 120 all 120. So So it' be similar to what the other one if you have the percent that counts, you get to count them all even, right? So this would be the same. actually but actually all 120 all of
021120 units would actually be below tip possibly below market rate. Is that what you're saying? we'd have a market rate component, but I think with the inclusion of the affordable housing, all 120 units within the development would qualify uh as shi state regulations based on the nature of a number of the affordable units. um you hit a threshold and it allows you to include all particularly if you're below the uh statewide percentage of of 10% of affordable housing uh allows them all to qualify towards your SHI so every single unit even including market rate unit right right I understood that but when you were talking about um the um the 25% it does does that mean you're um so no less than 25% that's right does that mean that you're looking at more than 25%
022correct would be affordable. Affordable. That's correct. And would include the tier of workforce which is between 80 and 120. Um we don't have the exact percentages of affordability levels. For instance, 30% 60% or 80 to 120. Um, we we look forward to reporting back through this through the administration uh to the board on what those exact percentages will be, but the typical tiers in this might see 30% at um 30%. So 30% of the units at 30%. It might show um uh up to 50% at um under 60%. So including that 30%. and then would would have a tier of 80 to 120 and then a market rate. So you might only on a project like this have 25% market and the balance would be 80 to 120 under 60 and then 30% or lower.
023And that's the way it would a mixed income property would be comprised. Today we're just asking to say to allow us to go no or greater than 25%. Um so that gives us the flexibility to build that tiering. Um, but it'll really come down to the nature of the construction costs, um, the ability to fill those gaps in construction costs and working together with our government partners to come up with the exact percentages of affordability. Um, and we're not there yet as we try to solve for all those problems. So, basically allowing um allowing a greater level of affordability opens up different financing mechanisms for the project very much so. So, so ideally it's a win-win. We get a deeper discount for residents of Ashland. That's correct. All of the units count, all 100, you
024know, all 120 units count toward SHI and you have a greater option of funding mechanisms to let you take over the project. That's correct. Okay. And and I would say as a general note to all those items being true, we found that these mixed income properties represent the communities that we're working in and with and uh they're a great compliment to the community uh for housing availability. Uh and we're able to make the numbers work in the real world. Um I have a question. So I don't recall I should have looked on that. I don't think we got to the level of detail of like preference for Ashlin residents on the 501 decision. Um, and so I think especially um if if we're opening up for more because I personally look at the 80% as
025not really affordable. I think that's a common thing. So opening it up um to other income levels would be even more um exciting to offer that to our community. or um your thoughts on that and I guess I think to the board I don't think our original decision um got to that level of saying local preference for when and when development and when companies uh it is um more than right and certainly something we're willing to work collaboratively with the town on is to have a resident of Ashland preference. We'll have to submit that tenant selection plan to the Commonwealth and to those agencies for approval, but um it is something that's commonplace and done elsewhere and uh and it's um you know all based on uh federal fair housing rules. There's a lot of
026things that have to fall into place, but it's something that can be done and we're more than willing to do. I heard you talk about some of the internal design changes, but nothing on the shell and core of the building. But I never heard you talk about the square footage of the retail because you mentioned a corner of the building retail, but I think the way the design developed is lot of the first floor had that retail component because it's kind of that commercial corridor for Ashlin. Um did that number or the square footage getting changed because of when company standards because you talked about a lot of other internal programs. Well, we're not at that stage yet. Um we currently it's designed on the corner as you're well aware. Uh our intention I think
027it's the kind of the level one band that had and if remember it was like 10,000 square feet for 501. I I don't think it was less. It was less than that. So I think it was similar. Yeah, it was um a corner and then the previous developer it was calling it commercial to be some of their amenity space of Right. So it might look that way but the actual commercial I think was 7500 and it was in a corner that's not changing it. That's our intention. So it's it's currently in the corner. I can't speak to exact square footages but it it's uh so if you imagine from going uh from uh the Shaw's side of the building uh to the left you have lobby amenities. Yeah, I think that's I mean that's definitely
028was a part of that whole design and the wounder kind of bringing the community all the way down like you said it's our commercial corridor. Yeah. Um and Ashland and the state has vested a lot into the commercial part of the corridor, right? And you know, everyone's gung-ho on the housing, but we're also looking for some other some other options, you know, in there, right? So, um, I just looked at the decision and the number is 6,800 square feet for the commercial because in my head there were like two entrances that we talked about for retail and signage locations. So, it was just not the corner, but also the other side where talked about parking and loading and things like that. So, um, so 6,800 is what we said. Yeah. Yeah. So, keeping it on
029the wounder we think is important. That's that's I think the uh we we like that. It's a great great feature to the building. Um parking is also not changing. We Yeah. No change to parking. Yeah. I think it's important to understand, you know, I'm Yeah, I think it's great for anyone to start to look for more than 25% and those deeper discounts. I know that it's hard to do, right? Um, so I think we all appreciate that. I think it's um just also an understanding, you know, you guys probably know a little bit about Ashlin now and that we have a lot going on in terms of housing right now. A little bit more. As much as we know the state needs housing, the area needs housing, housing is too expensive. As much as we
030all know and understand that and sympathize with that, we also have 240BS simultaneously before our zoning board of appeals. We have other big projects coming online and we just we have a lot little Ashland has a lot of on our plate right now. So, we did spend a lot of time on this project and it it was a little bit like kind of waiting for it to happen, you know, especially with all the new, you know, like said the wound the design elements we had we had put into it. So, it it's just about um as you move forward and looking to become a partner in Ashland to know that uh while we're excited about this project, it's still um it's a lot to take in when we think about this project that went through
031us and all the other projects that are now coming through. So, we want to make sure we're doing all those as best we can and in what we can control for the town. understood and and when we were evaluating the Shaw Plaza for a potential partnership with that owner to do new housing at that location with some shuffling of some existing real estate there. Um the town manager as well as staff were very clear about some of these other projects in the moving parts as well as capacity issues, sewer issues, concerns about public schools and the like. Uh and that all went to our uh decision to say best we not continue to pursue that path. That's why we were excited about this opportunity with Tras, an existing project that already went through the detailed
032vetting here at the planning board and throughout the community. Uh, and being able to participate, our desire to want to be part of the Ashlin community because of all the qualities that are so obvious and um, and so that's why we're pursuing this potential and our hallmark is working side by side with the the town administration will be communication. So, we'll be making sure every step along the way when we finalize the uh percentages of uh a affordability like we spoke on, we'll make sure that that's communicated through staff so you get the uh direct information from us through staff to you about what those final tiers look like. Uh as well as anything else that occurs uh on the site. That's important that the community know as we progress. um following the rules that
033you've set within the existing permit as well as the two uh changes we're asking for tonight. We tend to overcommunicate so there may be a point in time you say we're good to go but in the meantime you'll know everything we're doing and why and we'll follow the rules as as outlined in the permit. We do have some time sensitivities. The existing ownership uh this has taken some time to get to this point and the town manager and staff have been fabulous to to get this on. um we have to sign basically final agreements uh to purchase the property. We'll purchase it outright from that ownership group. Typically, we close everything all together and then we pursue the construction at that point in time. In this transaction, because of pressures based on a market rate
034seller uh and the work that we do, we'll actually have to go forward and purchase the property. So, if we were able to get a decision tonight on this, it would set us up in perfect order to be able to go forward, close and buy the property, and fulfill our purchase and sale agreement that we have with them. And then we'll basically be owner of that property well in advance of the construction that was outlined by Mr. Grant uh in the earlier presentation. This is a little out of out of the realm of thought here, but I I missed your name and I want Oh, I'm sorry. Michael O'Brien. I'm an executive vice president in wind companies. Uh I have a card I can give to the board. Um and I am basically second in
035command on the ownership group uh with Thank you. Um I have on the company side versus wind development which is a subsidiary in the company. Okay. I I guess um this is sort of more of a statement and I I think um from what I'm hearing that that's the right partner, but particularly since the board a lot of the work was done before I was on the board of um getting a project that the board felt would be good for Ashland. And we, you know, we sort of over time experienced that that's still highlevel design. And so when you I'm going to communicate on behalf of the board. I think when you get to that detailed design like please overcommunicate and don't don't start building with something needs to change and you already talked about
036a generator and our designers on the board are going to be sensitive where that goes and like then you're going to have screening and we're going to be sensitive about the kind of plants you put for screening. And I I what I'm hearing from your presentation is of course you're going to do that, right? Of course you're going to be a good partner. So, I'm not trying to say that insulting, but I'm I'm going to speak up for us and the community that that is absolutely an expectation that if there's a change, anything it we know about before it gets too far down the road. And uh and we will do that. We'll work obviously in tandem with the with the town manager and and staff, but uh we'll do any of that disregarding the
037idea of change. Our goal is not to make change, but just communicating along the way. Okay. So, you're at a real comfort level with the fact that we're doing meant what we said, said what we uh meant and uh are proceeding as per the permit. Anything else? Uh we'll make sure that you get all the information firsthand. I think that that was that was good to know. We have a um we have been talking a lot about the difference between a project that goes through the planning board and what percentage that is in its in its development from design to construction documents and then about naturally some of the changes that just happen after things are approved here. but how we make sure that the changes that may be very necessary to happen in a
038project after they leave here, how we make sure that they're still acceptable to the board that accepted the project. Sure. You know, so those are the types of concerns. We'll live by the permit. Uh we understand the sensitivity and importance of those permits and uh and just out of courtesy, we'll bring forward those plans for continued conversation. um recognizing that um you know it's a challenge to make sure these projects work in the economy but we're always going to use that permit as our guide through those challenges and any deration from that we recognize is a jurisdiction of the board and I think the other thing is that um as this uh you know as our town council you know obviously reviewed and helped us to write these parts especially the parts having to do
039with um um with the affordability component of the decision that we would absolutely though we could take a vote of support about we about what we talked about tonight. We would want obviously that reviewed by town council um before we would before we would sign off on it. So um that's on the affordability the amendment we're asking for item number two on on the yeah on on what you're asking for the the first thing is to just have it be approved by the planning board. Right. That was thing number one, which is what we're talking about tonight. Yes. Right. But to have uh to make sure the actual change and every um is something that uh our town council says is is correct in the way we're do going about it. So the over 25%
040that the town council would be able to look at that and verify we did over 25%. Yes. So on behalf of the board, I'll draft like a memorandum explaining what are the changes. I will check in with town council, make sure that everything is okay and then it will come back to the board for them to final approval and sign it and then we can move forward and send it back to you and we put it on the file. But when anybody's looking at the decision, they can see what was the change and the minor notification that happened. Sure. All that is understood in understanding protocols and timelines. Uh a vote of the board this evening um in the affirmative with details to follow would certainly give us um the asurances to proceed with the
041transaction which is timesensitive. We have to buy the land and without these approvals we would be at risk if we vote tonight. Right. So the the two things are to permit the transfer of ownership to provide a different company to take over the project as as we've been that would be thing number one and thing number two would just be to change the language to no less than 25% meeting affordability versus the 25% like I said it's just because that part of our that part of our decision was written approved reviewed by town council and so any changes in it needs to go through that same process as far as If we can do both, I think we'll be in good shape on our side and certainly meet and exceed the expectations of of the
042of the planning board and the community to have the vote with, you know, final um language and and uh and approvals subject to the document drafted by the town council. Well, well, from my perspective, I mean, I'm I'm really happy with everything you've said here today and our understanding of the project, um, about it staying the same, the sensitivity to the community and the load that we not only the planning board is holding, but the zoning board of appeals is holding, you know, the whole town at at this point in time, but and and appreciate that that actually that there's these other means of financing that can allow this affordability to go deeper instead of being something that's really yes, it's less than market rates, but is it really helping that young police officer or
043something or the teacher in town to to be able to stay in town? So, um so I I appreciate those moves. I'm glad those are the changes. I'm glad those are the changes coming before us uh tonight. So, we're glad to bring them forward. We're excited to be here. Any other comments? MBTA community list is that going to have any implication for them? It should not. I mean, um, you know, are you aware of that? Yes. Yeah. Yeah. We've worked uh um during the process of MBTA communities legislation. We were engaged since it's been passed and implemented, we've been participating and are in communities where it applies. So there's nothing here other than um furthering that goal that's engendered in the MBTA Communities Act. Yes. So they um so this project um this application um
044was not part of the MBTA Communities Act then and nor is it part of the MBTA Communities Act now. It is just it would just be under the um uh Pon Street Overland district. Okay. Yes. Okay. That's right. they'll certainly meet the goals of the MBTA. Yeah, I think all that you said sounds so positive and I think as a team we are all looking forward for this project to really come to life. Um I'm just curious like I noticed that it's the same design team that worked with us at the beginning. How do we make sure that again with all the projects that we worked at that time I don't remember how where we landed with all the finishes and kind of all the exterior materials and how do we make sure that along
045the process after all of us are gone that design intent is carried forward with the rest of the planning board. Um so the the design team but the design the team won't come back in front of us after right well if they follow that exactly they should not have to just like trask wouldn't have to if they want to deviate they shall come back here that's right so I think we're fine it's the same as tr to us if there's no changes that's correct that's correct but we will still go through the process of working manager and staff we'll make sure that those fit and finishes and things are something that we submit just for review and in ensuring that uh that those standards are met. So the decision that we had when TR submitted
046will still hold good. That's correct. For your project. That's correct. But again, in that world of what we're communicating, the team, the city, the town team will will understand what we're doing. We'll have given them that information. Please. I make a motion that the planning board approve a request 501 Pond Street, an amendment to general condition number 15 that allows for a transfer to ownership, a change to special condition number one on affordability, which would provide for a potential to increase affordability affordability. Um subject to and approval by town council. Is there a second? Second that and a roll call Katherine Jersey and Trisha Kendall. So um so I can I can start working on that. I'll uh follow up with town council and then we should have back all that information for May 8th
047which is the next planning board meeting to finalize sign it and then from there I can send you the finalized document. Thank you so much on behalf of wind companies. We're very grateful for the work of the team to get us to be able to come before you tonight to hear this uh these changes and we're certainly grateful to the uh planning board for hearing the petitions and obviously your favorable vote and we look forward very much to working with you and in the town to see this project come to fruition. We're excited excited to be in Asheville. It's a wonderful community. We look forward to being part of it. We're going to be a good corporate citizen as well. So great expect to see us around. Thank you. Thanks for the information. Thank you
048very much. Okay. Oh, there she is. All right. So, we will go back to item four on our agenda, which is the public hearings. Um, and these are four um three bylaws that are on the warrant for um May 7th or May 7th. Um, so what we're going to do tonight, this is a public hearing for all three of those bylaws. Um, one is uh section 7.6 accessory dwelling units or ADUs. section 8.1 blood plane overlay district and section 9.4.3 9.4.5.3 um which is just a small change in our review process. Um so I think we'll just we'll take them in in that order. Um um madam chair do we with public hearing has been tradition we read that? Do we have to just I guess just for the record yet to I think we
049usually read I don't know that we need to but I'm just for the um like the legal ad that was posted legal ad I will read the legal ad unless you want to I'll read it. Um, so the legal ad, uh, 2025 town meeting zoning articles. In accordance with the provisions of Mass General Law, chapter 4A, section 5, the Ashlin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 24th, 2025 at 17 7:15 p.m. on propo proposed amendments to the Ashlin zoning bylaws. Changes are being proposed to one, comply with updates in the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency watershed maps and NFIP, National Flood Insurance Program. Two, update the current ADU accessory dwelling unit bylaw to meet the new state regulations as per the Massachusetts section 8 of chapter 150 of the acts of
0502024. And three, to update the language of section 9.4.5.3 4.5.3 of the Ashlin bylaws which is the procedure for site plan review and design plan review to have a consistent filing and application process within the planning department. Hopefully everyone understood that this hearing will be held in person in Ashlin Town Hall in the select board hearing room second floor and remote participation is available via Zoom video conferencing platform. To join this meeting via Zoom, please see the planning board agenda. The proposed zoning amendments will be to the following sections of the Ashen zoning bylaws under chapter 282. And actually just read them, but I'll read them again. A section 7.6 accessory dwelling unit ADU section or number letter B section 8.1 floodplane Overlay district FPOD. C section 9.4.5.3 procedures for site plan review and design
051plan review. Okay. So again, the first one of those we are going to look at is the um accessory dwelling unit. So um briefly the um um the state and I don't remember at what the date was um but uh the state in the in the last year u passed regulation that allows um ADU accessory dwelling units in all uh communities um or single family zone in single family zoning districts. Yes. Right. So, what this does what this bylaw does is simply bring our bylaw where we did we did have a a bylaw for accessory dwelling units. Um but to bring that up to the size required by the state and also make sure that it allows um the accessory dwelling unit to be available basically as a rental unit. that does it does not
052have to be a family unit um to be in line with state regulations. So, we do have copies of the bylaw in the room. They're also Are they able to see it up on the screen? Yes. Okay. Um up on the screen and um and they're also available on the planning board website as well. So, get my own copy here. All right. I don't know if we want to read this whole bylaw. I don't think we want to do that. Um but I do I do want to go through um the important points of the bylaw and those would be find in this found in the second section 7.6.2. Um the definitions. So the definition of an accessory dwelling unit according to the new bylaw and this is a definition um that uh has come
053from the state is that the accessory dwelling unit maintains a separate entrance either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling unit sufficient to meet the requirements of the building code for safe egress. A B it's not larger in gross square area than 1/2 the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square ft whichever is smaller. So the size of the ADU can be no larger than 900 square ft. Um and if it it's going to always be between half the dwelling size and 900 square f feet whichever is smaller. And number C, uh, the accessory dwelling units are subject to such additional restrictions as may be imposed by the municipality, including but not limited to additional size restrictions and restrictions on prohibitions of short-term
054rental as defined by Mass General Law um 6G or sorry, 64G. Um, however, no municipality shall unreasonably restrict the creation or rental of an ADU that is not a short-term rental. So that was just a basic understanding of what the ADU is. There's also a lot more definitions as a part of our bylaw. Um we wanted these to be within the bylaw itself at the present time so that we make sure that the bylaw is very clear. Um I guess I can go over the general requirements. I think it's appropriate to go over the general requirements or just go into discussion. I think it um it would be so our basic in keeping is its compliance with state law. And if there's a few things that we did which were very few and they're also
055in compliance with state law, I think it'd be good to point out. Yeah, I would say the stuff we should point out is the short-term rental issue, the parking issue. We were really we spent a lot of time thinking about the half mile versus mile. And I recall those were the big two things that are sort of hey this entire thing is consistent with state law and the state gave us some ability to address these two things here's how we address them. Yes. Yes. So I guess our the main points there was I remember yes that that we um so in looking at um well let me start with the some of the general requirements because I think there's some things in there too that um that the ADU is only is allowed in zoning
056districts which which allow by single family residential dwellings. Um, no more than one ADU shall be permitted for each principal dwelling unit and not not more than one ADU shall be permitted per lot. So, you cannot have multiple you cannot have multiple ADUs on a single lot. Um, the ADU and the principal dwelling unit shall remain on the same lot and shall not be divided into s two separate lots and the ADU shall not be utilized as a short-term rental. In the next section, we talk about exterior appearance and size. And this is besides what I was talking about um earlier. The ADU needs to be fully located within the dimensional setbacks of the zoning district that are already spelled out in the bylaws. So, the house a house would need to conform to those
057um bylaws and the ADU needs to comp conform to those bylaws as well. where the ADU has an entrance on the front facade of the dwelling. The ADU entrance shall be secondary in appearance to the entrance of the principal dwelling unit. All stairways to an ADU connected above the first floor shall be enclosed within exterior walls or located on sides other than the street and um driveways. driveway shall be designed in conformance in conformance with the regular zoning bylaws um with the exception of um allowing a common a common driveway sewage parking and as far as parking one parking space with the exception of properties within one half mile of transit station need to be provided. So, if the property is within within a half a mile of um a transit station, a parking space,
058an off- streetet parking space does not need to be provided. But if it is greater than 1 half mile from a transit station, um the the lot would need to provide one off- streetet parking space. And I just make a comment before we get hate mail to the planning board that that's the state law. Yes. We we could not require if you're within half a mile of a transit, we are not allowed to require an off streetet parking. Right. Okay. Thank you. Um yeah, and I think those are the I think those are the the major parts of the of the bylaw. We will open it up for questions u both in the room and online. I'm sorry. Sales first. I think we have discussed this a lot and so we're happy to just go
059to the public 119 Main Street. And I'll be coming up with all three of these uh articles that's coming up. The Dran basically is a single family house for for this dwelling accessory unit, right? I missed the first part of that. What did you say? The the the accessory dwelling unit is a one single family house. It's a dwelling unit. So, a house is a particular type of dwelling unit. So, I I hesitate to call it a house. It's a home. Okay. a um housing unit. How's that? Yes. By the definitions given, it's a a dwelling unit. A housing unit. Okay. And then this is a number two which I don't think you you read. You might have the dwelling unit single housing unit provide complete independent living facilities for one person one person's including
060permit provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. How many rooms can a maximum of one family houses can have? What's the max in for any house or for the ADU? Well, this ADU there's no restriction on the amount of rooms like you it could be a single big studio space, right? You don't have to like a very modern layout without any rooms. You might want one for the bathroom. Um or it can be divided into many rooms as long as those as long as those rooms would meet the state building code. How many bedrooms in this? There's no limit on the amount the amount of bedrooms isn't given. So that's not it. That's up to the um that's up to the the owner who builds it. And um yeah, really up to the owner
061who builds it. So it's up to the developer to say from there how much how many rooms are going to be in once he makes it when he makes that one house in frame. How many rooms are going to be the developer has the right to say how many how many rooms will be in the in the found in the frame foundation in his site plan in his inside interior plan. Right. That is that is not up to that is not regulated by the bylaw or or by the state about how many rooms there are. Okay. Is just the the building code and the sanitary code is that that you would apply. Right. As long as it as long as what is being proposed adheres to the the building code. Right. Right. And and other
062state codes. Right. it um but it's not necessarily divided into rooms. So as a non-experienced person just a regular citizen I did tiptoe around it and thank you K for bringing that up. Protected use of ADU attached and detached ADU that is located is a proposed or be located on a single family residential zone in district and is protected by the mass general law 488.3 provided that only one ATU may qualify as protected. What happens if there's a An extended room garage. What do you mean by an extended room or garage? Okay. Uh attach or detach ADU that is located. What does detach mean? A detached unit would mean that it's it sits apart separately from the ex from the house. It has its own building envelope. Could be a garage, could be a porch,
063it could be anything that's away from the frame of the main house, right? That's what detach means. That's what this protected use is for ADU. Uh the requirements, no exterior size, no. Um disposal of sewage adequate procision be made by plant water. Who's paying for that? the town or developer in the disposal of sewage. So the an ADU would operate the same way as a single family house does. So it would be the in in a sense there's not a developer would be the owner of the house. So there would be like a sep you could have you would have a builder obviously someone that would come and build it but the owner of the house would be the one who paying they would be paying Ashland sewer rates as for disposable costs. Yeah they
064would if they're using the Ashland sewer they would pay ADU would pay and the single family home. Yes. I'm actually do I'm actually pretty good here now. Last one 7.6.8 nonconformities. If an attached ADU is proposed by a pre-existing non-conform family primary residence requirements of section 8.3 of the zoning by those shall apply provided that it's an event where special permit is required. No special permit may consider the ATU or an imposed condition on such use. Why is that last sentence there if the zoning by law is going to apply? Um, I think I understand your question. So if if the house is non-conforming and wants to add an ADU, it may need to go in front of the zoning board of appeals to get a special permit for the nonconformity, but it does not
065need to get a special permit simply to be allowed to do an ADU. So a non-conforming house can apply for an ADU as well, but the nonconformity would need to be addressed by the zoning board of appeals. So how strong would the ADU we consider ADU uses as an imposed condition? How strong is that compared to the zoning bylaw? I don't think I understand the question. Does it compare with the bylaw or is it as as not to use it and use the ATU imposed conditions? If I understand correctly, Mark, I think that they will still follow what is described here as an ADU, but they will still have to follow the nonconformity go through the CBA. So, it will be following these as an ADU, but like Trish explained, you will still have to
066go through the CBA for them to give you a allowance to make changes to a non-conforming house. And would that work as with using a special permit? So, anything in front of the ZBA would be a special permit or it's not in the paragraph. the word special permits but to say if the devel wants have a special permit does he have to go through the nonconformities part of this ADU paragraph that will be section 3.3 of the zoning bylaw because section 3.3 of the zoning bylaw is for the special permits that's it thank you We ready for a motion? Um well, let me just if if there's any other questions um online. No. Okay. Uh sure. I make a motion that if planning board approve the amendment to go to town meeting floor, amend zoning
067bylaw 7.6. six accessory dwelling accessory family dwelling unit um with the updated language. I'll second that. And roll call vote I and Tesman I Katherine Jersey guy and Trisha Kendall I. So um that is a supported by the planning board to go um to um town meeting. Next one on the agenda is for the um the flood plane overlay district. I know we have Becca Solomon, um, conservation agent online to help us out with this one because it's a little complex. Um, Anna, if you don't mind, I need to step out a minute. Could you Thank you. Um, so for this one, Becca, do you want to tell us a little bit about how this came about and give us some background? Uh, sure. Can you guys hear me? Okay. Yes. Yeah. Great. So, Uh
068the shorthand of this is that the um FEMA had to had just updated their flood plane maps for parts of the Charles River watershed which Ashlin does have a couple areas within. Um, and because those were updated, the first thing that had to happen is that our existing flood plane bylaw needed to be revised to refer to the most recent um squares on those maps that they were showing. And then the second thing that's happening is that they're updating the minimum requirements for these overlay districts to basically require clarify things and then also um be a little bit more stringent on what's permitted and what's not permitted in flood plane. Um mostly to protect residents. Um if you put a bunch of structures in something the flood plane level rises um and that's the big
069concern there. So all of this is meant to help protect people from that. Um so I know um Peter before me on some previous meetings went over in more detail the changes that were put in. Um I know Alvaro was there as well. Um so I'm not going to waste your time going over the entire thing, but if there are specific questions you all have, I'm happy to answer it. So to sum it uh Becca would be would it be accurate to say that this is consistent with the FEMA changes and essentially we are required to do this? Yes. Okay. Um I don't think there's a particular section that I recall that we No, I would just add that much of it was again taken from a draft state law recommendation. Exactly. And I don't
070recall us changing anything. We we essentially followed the state reg Yeah. We basically follow what was given by the state and then the major changes was just taking out the sections that were not really relevant to Ashland. So Beck in that sense helped us a lot to just double check that areas of coastal mention and things like that. We don't have a coastline. So like for example the section that is right now in front of us that's really the what we were looking at because it has the updated dates that the FEMA maps have been coming up. Um so that was one of the main requirements that were given to us uh in that and then the other language was just to clarify what were the special permits. So section 1.5 um just to kind
071of like mainframe it and make sure that it will be sent to the conservation commission even though they already will receive all this information because of the flood plane but just this bot will clarify that basically. Okay. Does the planning board have any comments or anything we want to add before we open it up to the public? I don't. And with that, do we have any public comment online? Not at this moment. And in the room? Nope. He said he's good. And back to 119 Main Street and I I thank Becca for explaining that and for the board to look at this. I'm on the page. I got the town warrant in my hand by going by. What does it mean by funuality dependent use which means a use which cannot perform its intended purpose
072unless it's located or carried out in close proximity to a water. The term includes only darken pocket. I'll cut it to the chase. How many times do we have a do we we have the reservoir have to use a flood praying rule? How many times? So I think Mark, you're referencing the definition 8.1.2 E, functionally dependent use. Is that what you're referencing? Yes. And you're asking how that applies to our reservoir any any waterways that um has boats on it. So your question is how would this apply to the Ashlin reservoir? Any waterways in Ashlin that allows boats to be put so they can go on that water? Becca or Alvaro, is there a way for us to clarify that how the functionally dependent use applies with our waterways? Uh, I can try and take
073a stab at this one. Um, and Alvaro, correct me if I'm wrong. I think this is one we copied straight over that was in the the required the the parts from the draft um that was provided to us. But it's essentially referring to um any activity, any use that you would need to do that cannot be done unless you're near the water. So, if you're putting in a dock, which we think docks like the harbor, it could also be like a kayak or canoe launch um is also a a dock because you might be tying it off at at the dock there. Or, um you see it less in Ashlin, but I can think of uh like North Pond where they have your own personal docks or uh Washikum Pond and Ashlin. Some people have
074some personal docks for their boats. Um this could relate to that and wash pond does have flood plane on it. Um so it could refer to that. Okay. And down near the bottom it says um port facilities are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo. There's none there's nothing like that here in the Ashland town boundaries to have that happen. Yes or no? Uh I don't believe there is anything currently or planned. Um but people do make these regulations in order to plan for the long distant future that we can't see. Um so I I think we're required to have it was what we came to the conclusion and Alvaro correct me if I'm wrong on that. But just because it's in there doesn't mean that we're we're expecting to actually have that. Yeah,
075it was it was something that it's just I my understanding is just to put in as one of or help to understand some of the information that will follow the bylaw um as the state mandates and to keep on going and I'll finish the paragraph off is passengers and ship building and ship repair facilities. We're not on the ocean, are we? So, so Mark, I think I think to to Becca's point is there's standard language in here that we cut and pasted from proposed language um that may not apply exactly to Ashland but it's standard. Okay. And this would be my last question and why why were way pointing it then why is this whole paragraph functionally dependent in this for national town meeting to take a vote on I think it's there as a
076definition paragraph just to explain examples of what functionally dependent use might mean in different situations. Some of which apply to Ashlin right now, some of which don't really apply, but it's meant to be more of a definition just to give people an idea of what the words might mean. So when we do get shakum and have that the dock sit on the on lenard road of WHland, they got their own docks. That's about the only small thing that there is of this whole paragraph. There's no ships and there's no repair stuff. I think you're right that we don't have any ships or cargo right now, right? Uh but it's just used as an example of what functional dependent use might mean in different communities. So, it's kind of like a cut and paste paragraph that
077can apply to 15 different communities and each community will kind of know what it means based on what's happening there. Okay, last very very last thing. I'm build up energy for this and it's a small one. The structure means for flood plane management purposes or walled and roof building including a gas liquid storage tank that is principally above ground as well as manufacturer homes. US Court of Federation federal regulation tied to 44 points for that. Where is where is that going to be put if it gets voted in? Is there going to be so liquid storage tank? So that's also the definition section. So you're you're looking at 8.12 definitions page 28. Yeah. Structure. So that that doesn't say that we're going to add these structures. It's just explaining what structure might mean in a
078community. Okay. Then I know that some of these are uh says to put in as placeholders to fill in once it it does get passed and for maybe down the future down the road. But if it's not going to be realistic that it's going to happen, then they shouldn't be in here. Thank you. Thank you, Mark. Any other public comment in the room? Being none, is there a motion on this particular zoning amendment? There was none earlier. I make a motion that the planning board approve the submission of the town of town of Ashlin zoning bylaw section 8.1 flood plane overlay. I'll second that. Anna Tesman I Katherine Jersey I and Trisha Kendall. Thank you Anna. All right. So the third uh bylaw we were discussing tonight is section 9.4.5.3 procedures for site plan review
079and design plan review. This is if I can get to my sheet here a small change. Um we have found that um the special permit process, correct? Um uses this um uh uh designation of the amount of days 65 days upon receipt of an application. Um special permits are uh processes are set by the state where the site plan review and design plan review is um process is set by Ashland. So we wanted to have our as often on a project a special permit and a site plan review happen simultaneously. We wanted the um timing of these things to be able to happen simultaneously to make the process a lot smooth a lot more smooth and to allow us to keep track of it a lot better so the things could be really going in
080tandem and that's really the only reason for the change is anything anyone wanted to add to that it's not coming out of a hat right that 65 days has a logic yeah it will match the the same timing that the special permit has. So when an application comes in for site plan review and special permit when they usually check both of those boxes on an application that will just make the pro the project basically follow the exact same time frame. So if there's no other questions for the board, we'll open it up to public comment in the room and uh online. No comment on mine. Pretty soon you'll get bored of me. I can understand that. Mark Sony 119 Main Street. I'm get getting my address back and forth now. Okay. To amend the town
081zoning bylaws 9.45.3 45.3 procedures for site plan review and design plan review removing the striketh through language and replace it with the following 65 days. It used to be 90. Yes or no? No, it was 30 mark if you're referring to the language here. Yeah, the language shall hold a public hand within 65 days. Okay, let me read it completely. Okay. Witness 6 with and the receipt of the of the receipt of the application notification shall be provided in the compliance with MGL match general law chapter 40 A section 11 the applicant why is the word his crossed out is there a difference his or her we don't know what is the gender of the agent that might be following the process. So I guess that's just to make it more um diverse diverse. Okay.
082And shall be attended such and the meet and such the a a meeting is cross public hearing. Is that supposed to be because it's basically the same thing. Um I guess a meeting was a little bit broad while a public hearing is the formal process that mass general law chapter 48 section 11 points out. So we all will always make a public hearing for special per site plan review. So that just matches the language of the general law shall in order to assist the plan of respond to the public questions and concerns. That's the public hearing. Okay. Failure to attend shall be deemed lack of compliance with the requirement of this chapter. Now why is it a failure to to attend shall be deemed lack? Is this on the developer's part the planning board or
083what? Yes. The the applicant or the agent would be required to attend the the public hearing. That seems it's hard to have a public hearing with no applicant. So it's just putting that in writing. Okay. And this is one of my older question I asked I some years ago. What happens if the applicant the developer asks for more than let's say three continuances? What happens? I don't think there's any limit on the amount of continuences they can require. As long as the as long as the town and the applicant agree on the continuence, it can go forward. And what happens in between if there's a change of contract to developers that's not the same as the original? I think the I think those parts aren't a part of the change with the bylaw that we're
084considering and so those aren't the changes we're looking at tonight, Mark. So we don't need to go into too much detail. Yeah, but I'm just saying because um the last last um kind of bought me in it was another development that had a change of owners and it went on with a different name owners, right? But that's not applicable to this bylaw. That's why I'm not going to mention the agenda name. Thank you. Thank you. No comment on that motion. I make a motion that the planning board approve uh town of Ashlin zoning bylaw change section 9.4.53 procedures for site plan review and design plan review as present. I'll second that. Wangai. Anna Tesmania. I Katherine and Trisha Kendall. So our bylaws are now ready for a town meeting. Okay. Um, next on our agenda,
085just going to thank Becca, but she's already gone. Okay. Can I just mention something quick out, um, I'm actually going to be out of town, not at the town meeting, but are you are we doing a presentation or are you Okay. And that's you presumably. Yeah. Okay. I'll be I'll be doing the presentation. There's less to Yeah. Not a lot of visuals for these. No, I just think it's helpful. if if we're allowed and that confirming that you would. Yeah. To answer questions and to present it and answer questions. Yeah. And also Becca, I talked to Becca, so she will be she will make herself available for any questions about the flood plane. So she also is going to be pressing there to answer any questions. Okay. So um next on our agenda is is
086a public hearing. Uh 240 to 260 Pleasant Street, the Metro West Facilities LLC. This is the soccer fields and they I think everyone got that they requested a continuence until until May 8th. Um do you have information on why the continuence was requested? Um so there's I think two sides to it. One of them is on Tuesday on Wednesday morning they received the report from the design review committee which I think it was also forwarded to all the boards. So they are looking at that part. Um the other piece of it is that after they received the scope of work from the peer review, they were looking at the pricing. So they have not yet agreed to the pricing on it. So they are looking to see if they will request the board to look
087for a different peerreview. Um they have not made a decision yet. So that has slowed down a little bit the process of that. So before it's moving forward, we they will need to decide if they would like to move forward with the peer review that we currently use, which is GCG. um or if they make a request for a new peerre then we will have to um look for basically options of peerreview that will come to the board the board will feel comfortable with them and then they could do that process. So that's kind of a big deal since GCG has been accepted by the town forever since I've been here and I'm sure longer, which is more than 20 years. And so we I I don't know if we can talk about it here
088on the agenda, but we do need to talk about a a process for vetting a backup. I mean, we don't have to until it happens, but um I I think we should make sure we have a solid process for vetting a alternate. Yeah, this is what um Alra and I have been talking about this uh since it came up obviously since Peter's not here. Um and it hasn't come up before. This is obviously a small project. Um, and so yes, uh, GCG has been our go-to and obviously I personally have been extremely happy like with their work, but we also thought there it might be good. We we're trying to get information if towns have typically, you know, a backup, you know, versus having just just one um, you know, just just one consultant in
089this way. So um but uh but obviously thinking about that process now like Elvo said finding people and vetting them is going to take some time. So it's kind of uh GCG and their price or this other potential option but it's going to take some time because we would not rush into that lightly. So so this could get sensitive a about timelines and then who who controls that? they if we have a process that that we have had for ever and the applicants asking for something different, how do we stop the shot clock, so to speak, on the time that that a decisions due. Um, that's one thing. And then secondly, I I I do have other comments that I just don't want to violate open. I'm not clear if it was said it was
090continuence if we can discuss things or if we have to wait to put it on the agenda. Well, I think the project is on the agenda even though it's request. Okay. Well, then I should I have some other comments than related to that? Well, I think if you have comments related to that process. Yeah. Because it's something we need to work on. So, obviously the applicant isn't here. So, we're not going to be talking about the project per se. Okay. It's sort of related and you can say we have to wave if so my understanding and I believe Peter said this before they left they were changing or potentially changing to a a non-natural turf but the stuff they submitted for the application was based on natural turf which is so we that is no
091longer a valid application. Now I'm not saying that everything has to go to zero but what we're asking someone to look at may not be applicable. So I I don't want us to have them when they come back later say hey by the way you owe us new data but hey by the way you owe us new data and we should tell them sooner rather than later. Um so in other words giving the consultant an application that's not accurate is a problem. It is not based on what we are hearing that they want to do is one thing. Can we ask the applicant to essentially amend or fix the application prior to submission to consultant? Yeah. Well, for the peer reviewer, well, the peer reviewer will make those questions usually. Um, I've honestly never seen
092it within the planning board, but I've been able to see it within the CBA. Um and often if there is any change from the original application that the developer is mentioning the peerreview will ask for those new calculations if it's storm water in this case or if anything is changing in terms of materiality so they can understand what will be that impact. But so GCG presumably doesn't watch our meetings though is what I'm saying. We have to communicate to them. I'm saying I'm offering being proactive and getting in touch with the applicant and saying if you go forward with this change, you need to update the calculations for storm water. Yes. And instead of waiting till they're in front of us again next time, potentially May 8th, I I don't think we I assume we
093would be professional and offer that ahead of time. Yes. Offer offer what ahead of time? offer offer um telling them that the calculations for a natural turf field, right? Yeah. Need to be redone for if you're changing it, right? That's one. And then secondly, that parcel I'm believe is in the groundwater protection overlay district. And I believe if you start looking online of a synthetic turf field, there's potential for leeching. And I am not a scientist. I'm not pretending to be a scientist, but I'm pretending to be smart enough to ask those questions. So, we as a board have to figure out what that means and what we're going to do for resources or wait again, we can wait till they put it in front of us, but they I I heard that from the
094town planner. I did not hear that from the applicant. Yeah, I I assume that's I assume that's also part of the continuence. I don't know because I know you know obviously in the design review committee notes that was cited as a very big issue right so it's not it's not um it's I assume it is I'm just saying to be fair we haven't heard it from we haven't heard it from the applicant the board right um but I I think it's kind of a big deal and I don't think any of us are scientists on the board and and nor would we probably want to cross and use our professional work in that way on the board. So, we have to figure that out, right? No, definitely. I I think it is a big deal.
095Um that change. It's not Yeah. So, um yeah, just kind of two things going on right now. The the the um applicant having their a chance to u appropriate time to respond to all the information they've just been given and this simultaneous thing going on about questioning the cost of using GCG. Um now I think the planning board can have a you know um obviously a voice about that no this is who we use and we don't feel comfortable anyone else but that that that is one take my take when I was talking about to Alvo is that that's who we use but in my own practice I have found sometimes that I needed to have a plan B. And so I also didn't think it was a bad idea for the town to have
096other places they might call if say there was a conflict of interest or or something like that, right? Um so it just came it kind of just brought up well maybe this is something we should understand. Do other towns have more than one? You know, maybe Lisa me has a has some experience with that. um like are do we have the our team in place for the town that we should have um as just a part of that question. So, so back to the shot clock though because I I would have belts and suspenders have the plan B but we have a we have a applicant in front of us that we are do not have a B and so we we have to work on that but um and I think in good faith
097we should probably try to investigate that to say are we prepared to offer that but I'm not sure we certainly can't do it under the shot clock time right and so if that's the case and we're not stopping the clock. You we don't need to wait and give them an answer. Right. In my opinion. Right. No, I I understand and I I think that's a I think that's a definite um Yeah. Uh that's correct. I believe that's correct. Right. So, I guess we need to be in communication with the we can we can approve the continuence, but we need to be in touch with that applicant and know that they fully understand that the clock is completely shut off if that's even possible. If it's not, we just we they just have to go with
098GCD and Okay. you know. Yeah. So, I just review the dates as of now. Um the date to close the public hearing will be on June 11th um for day filing date was February 18th. Um, so that will be the final date for them to like close the hearing. And I'm happy to follow up and just explain these if there's no more continuences. Okay. Yeah. So, in order to have someone besides GCG, they're going to have to agree to quite a long continuence. Yes. To allow us the proper betting process. Yes. And who and in the end, a second company may have a higher price than what you started out with. So, I guess just like follow up, there was another part of it that they were in front of the conservation commission. They mentioned
099the change of making a change on the turf of fields and also the conservation commission requires peer review. So it could also happen that the conservation commission says we only want GCG and they will still have to do that okay with them because often with the projects that they have been coming into town is that the conservation comm commission uses the same peer review that we received the same report because they feel comfortable with it. Um but there will be another part of it that they will have to work with both of the planning board and the commission to have a better peer review if that was the case. So let's touch base with the conservation commission and see if we're all on the same page. So, we also are going to tell the applicant
100that we need updated calculations for their new design. It was not what was submitted. So, we will not be I mean, it already went and it's on the process, but we aren't going to accept. We don't care what GCG or anyone says about that. That's not the project anymore, apparently. So, they need to do something for that. And I think we want to talk about shot clock with that on them, too, because it We're now looking at we will be looking at an application that's different than the application. Right. Right. I think that has to be brought up or else to not put the board in a bind. Yeah. Because the clock's not on us because the application has been changed. Right. So I mean I think a the continuence should be saying stop until
101we settle these things in my opinion tonight if we offer that. Right. Well I think in that case we will have to wait. The continuence that they requested was to move it to the next planning meeting. So that's the only thing that we can approve right now. But in that case, they will have to come in front of the board and discuss that directly here. Um so they can make an agreement that will be the next steps that they take if that's the route that they're looking because otherwise I mean we're going to have to say no, it's no longer the application. And we have a way to do that politely, professionally, quickly because I don't I mean this could you could see how this could just get no definitely messy for everyone for no
102reason. And it can be handled like if people are paying attention to the moving parts, it can be handled and keep it going. But um and then we I guess last thing we there was railroad. It's near the railroad. I did quick scale. It's within it's under um I believe it's under 50 feet which is a typical railroad. Again I don't work for the road. I don't it's not you know but I think it's something we had said do asking Lisa meet if we have any responsibility to um either conditions or anything about that because the applicant didn't seem to know anything and I don't want to leave that just we're not as familiar. Yeah. Yep. That was an ongoing question. Okay. So, um, we have a list of those items and we'll be putting
103them all in front of the appropriate parties. Um, the applicant, the conservation commission, Lisa me um and have some um direction on that for the next meeting on the 8th where we can take this to and that'll give them enough time to review the other comments as well. Um, so I'll make a motion to move the public hearing on 24260 Pleasant Street Metro West Facilities LLC. Second, I Katherine Jersey. And Trisha Kendall I. Okay. Um, so we have uh already covered item five. Item six is 61 Waverly Street. the um the letter that we have been talking about sending to the zoning board of appeals. There's this is at the right in front of numeral one. Um I took a look at it. It looks like you had made some changes or kind of put
104this together. Thank you. Yeah. So the first the the second part of it is m is directly from our letter um on the first iteration of this project. Um, I did take out the stuff on there that talked about the housing units and things like that. So, I just went with the stuff that was appropriate to the site. The first part of the letter, um, is our, you know, what what we talked about and our process here. The part in red, I wasn't sure how to include or if it was already included. Yeah. Um, the one thing I was going to say that on the first page, uh, there's a spelling error in the one, two or fifth paragraph, the word except for emergency vehicles. Is that consensus? Yep. Um, yeah. And then the red
105language you had. I mean, I I I remember we talked about this, so you definitely got the gist of what we're trying to say as a board. Um, so I maybe we should say that we're suggesting a way to move the parking spaces to a less visible location on the site. Okay. Something like that. Make it a little bit more ambiguous so that the zoning board of appeals can decide what that might mean because it seems like the project keeps evolving. You know what I mean? So rather than saying to the back side of the building, say to the less less visible from from the East Union Street side. Exactly. less visible from the East Union side, less prominent from the East Union side, might be a little bit more giving the zoning board of
106appeals some flexibility to figure out what that means because again, the project is going to it seems to be continuously evolving. Yeah. So, the I don't know if it's going to change again. They they had the first uh they had their first public hearing a month ago and then last Tuesday they had the first traffic peer review meeting. saw the traffic peer reviewer from the town explain the comments that they had and then they said that for the next meeting we will be which will be on May 13 um they will come back to present the next changes on traffic right based on that. So, Anna, would would um would do you think the parking question would be taken care of if if I if it says um in the last the last sentence on
107the first page, the board sees sees little need for a sidewalk as there is already one on the school side and a deeper deeper bank of trees and greater distance between the new building and its parking and the school may help soften the visual impact of the project. Is that enough? I think that's good. I don't know if that's enough because I think we were concerned from what I remember it was like a bunch of parking right as you come into the building. So, I think we wanted to for the zoning board of appeals to see if if some of that could be squeezed to a less visible. So, I don't think so. So, that last sentence in red, the planning board further suggests considering a way to move the parking spaces. How did I
108phrase it? less visible to to the parking spaces to decrease the visibility from Union Street to significantly decrease visibility from Union Street. Should that go in the previous paragraph where we are talking about the entrance and exit? Could because it looks like we are saying that there is a concern on the impact on Union Street. So, does this just get added to that paragraph? It could. It could. I think one thing is about traffic though and the other is about visual impact. Exactly. So, the parking is more about visual impact. I kind of thought it belongs well after the mention of visibility of project. I kind of like where it is. Okay. Yeah. The planning board further suggests moving parking moving parking spaces less prominent from East Union Street a less a less visible location
109from less yeah making notes to it and then you I think we've come up with like five different versions of how to say it, but I think they're all pretty much the same. Kind of make it less prominent, make it less visible from that side. Was the tone okay? I have to admit I have to admit I was a bit frustrated. No, I think I think the tone was was appropriate for the situation. I thought it was spot on. So, I personally like the changes or the the draft. So if we need to vote on it, it conveys the message. Okay. Do we need to vote on it? If you're okay with over and I doing the last sentence, I'll make a motion to approve the document as drafted with the last sentence being massaged
110accordingly. Second that. Roll call vote. Deepki I. Katherine Jersey. And Trisha Kendall I. And as it is, I assume you're then okay with me just signing it for the board. Y. Okay. As is. Yeah. We just voted on it as it was. Okay. Are you signing it? The way it's written now, it's you signing it. And I'm fine with that. But if we're signing it for the board, it probably should be slightly different. What? Well, the National Planning Board. It's drafted from National Planning Board. That's true. So, I think we're fine if we voted for it as is. All right. So, now we're doing approval not required. Yes. I think this is just an update, right? Yeah. So, um, Lisa has provided the Firmingham planning department with a title search with all the documentation that,
111you know, it's it's involving these properties. I think from what she explained to me is that in some at some point they misplace or gave the wrong explanation when it's like southerntherly, easterly border things like that. So, basically that caused all this commotion and chaos to like figure it out. So once that information has been provided to the engineer and the Firmingham planning department, they're trying to also make it make sense. Um we're hoping to meet next Wednesday amongst the engineer that's working with the Framingham planning department. The Frammingham planner, myself and Lisa meet so we can finally clear every aspect of it and they can go ahead and make a new mileer um so we can so it can come to the war and be finalized. But that's where he's standing as of now.
112Great. Okay. So we're at the end of the major part of the agenda. Crystal asks for any updates and then Elvra and I have some updates. any updates from any I mean just briefly comprehensive plan we're we're on the part about strategies the goals and we will be actually having three meetings in May um because there's been a lot of work and it's a lot of work and um so the way it worked out is two extra meetings in May and the plan would be that would finish up to go on to the next Okay, great. All right. So, and and any other updates on committees, etc., etc. I have not done more work on the I think I was supposed to come in with more on to-do list, what I call it. Is this
113even on this? Am I not even? Yeah. Uh, number eight. Eight. Yes, exactly. Do we consider Keat's to-do list number eight? It it is. I I would prefer to call it planning board to-do list, but Kate who's responsible for it is fine. I just don't want to lose sight of that, please. Um I don't either. I mean, I'm hoping I don't have any update on that. I have not had a chance to to make much progress. Kate, is the next planning board meeting your last? It is. So, I'm hoping we can still I'll do my best. No, the um particular one was about having a process when to make projects look like what we approve. And um I had sent you some language and I Deepa the way we left it last time, Deepa and
114Trish were going to work on a draft. I thought I started on it and um with my new work, I'm getting an exposure to a lot of different towns and I'm starting to read how their process works. And it's very interesting that when I took that paper that you started off with, I came across a community that had a very different way of uh going around how their projects in town happen. So it felt like we shouldn't look at a process just with what we've done. There's so many different ways of doing it. So I didn't want to rush into it and kind of present something. But I I agree. But except there's there's not oh so many ways I've looked at probably I bet 15 and I think I tried to fairly present them
115in in what I presented right that was not in fact I didn't argue for Shrewsbury you guys liked it. So I mean I don't know I guess if I'm off the board and it doesn't happen it's okay but no I think it should it's something that we can keep track of this I think we made progress on a lot of things that you had on that list. um we shouldn't lose track of it but again creating process when literally half the board is going to change this month um I was hesitant to just come up with something but I think it's a work in progress I would agree with that I'm not into like just rushing it into a vote I'd like to understand I mean I didn't take it as a rush of a
116vote I I looked at it more like I I think we got some good progress and I wanted to hear more thoughts. Right now, we're only going to have one person replaced that I'm aware of on this board, not half the board because one seat we have somebody running and the other seat we've got no one. Right. Um so unless somebody writes in, right? So we're really only replacing one person that I'm aware of. Well, and even but even if that seat doesn't get filled at the election, it will get fe it will get filled hopefully shortly after. I guess what I'm saying is I don't think we're voting the next meeting. I personally think Keith put a lot of work in. We made progress and we should at least give it a shot talking
117about it. I don't think we need to vote on the next meeting, but if we can, I will try to bring in my homework, which was a little bit of work on the hotel thing for downtown just so that I can hear Kate's thoughts officially while she's still a member of board publicly um rather than privately. And hopefully we can make some progress on the other There's time. We're all really really busy. So, we may not have time. We'll do our best. Right. So, if have whatever anyone gets done for eighth, we'll we'll keep the agenda item on and we'll discuss anything we have at that time. Okay. So, updates um uh 100 Chestnut Street. Um but let me start uh last week actually uh on um the Pond Street Chame Road project. 123 Pond
118Street. 123 Pond Street. On Wednesday the 16th, Elvro and I and Deepipa met with um the architect and the developer of that project. This was something they had asked for right at the time that Peter was leaving. They had asked for a meeting with Peter. Um since uh Peter obviously wasn't going to be there. Alvaro reached out to to me and I reached out to Deepa to to fill in. Right. So the um they were asked they had I think under agreement another piece of property a small piece of property right where the um right where the front piece is on Pond Street. Um, and so they were acquiring this other small piece of property which actually and they had this idea about making the just the whole site work a little better instead of
119this tiny little piece on Pond Street. So, um, so they had done some drawings on that and just wanted some feedback. So, um, Deepa and I looked at it and gave them some feedback. Um, am I an to this project that we're discussing right now? No. Okay. No, it's way down. It's the one. It's the one way down there. So, um, so we had that meeting and gave them feedback. I mean, my impression Deepa can jump in that whatever the planning board decides to do with the project, the the addition this the addition of this small piece of property made the made the spirit of what they were trying to do stronger, better. Um, so um, and that's the feedback we gave them. Yeah. And um I think they listened to us the last time
120when we gave comments as planning board and this acquiring possible acquiring of this additional property will help kind of prove the design like I one of the comments that I made is that visibility from the pawn street to the open space behind they actually could make that work because they were acquired if they acquired that. So I think it was a great design solution but and the other thing that I think important thing is they were willing to go back to the numbers to see if there would be a better mix of condos versus rent apartments and they were willing to go through that exercise and see what is a better mix of the units in the campus. So I think it's a team that's willing to listen and come with ideas. So hopefully come
121back ideas, right? So they are looking to put together a more formal application. Obviously everything been doing up till now it's like there's not even an application on the table, but they are looking to put the package together and make a formal application sometime really after the election because they're going to need more than Yeah, they're going to need a full board to look at the project. So, any comments? Second, um on Tuesday the 20 just just this past Tuesday on the 22nd um 100 Chestnut Street was doing its um final walkth through again. I guess Peter had been doing multiple walks with them with different punch lists and things like that. left Elvo the list of the punch list, you know, and um Alvo again asked if I could attend since since Peter's not
122here. Um so we did that. We went through we walked around the whole property around the outside. Obviously, that's more our component. They did give us a tour of the inside as well. They'd be happy to do another tour if anyone's interested in seeing it. Um and so and so that was um went through the punch list items that was signed off on and then that was just for the planning department sign off. Yeah. So before they get their occupancy permits they need each department to go through it. Water and sewer DPW conservation each of them. So from our side it was just looking at the landscaping and everything was installed correctly as the position was basically marked. Everything seemed right on my eyes and then the punch list that Peter left. So they now
123are just finishing up with the building department which is the real the finish which Doug Scott's review. Yeah. So So that's where that that was. Um and then yes that's I have on that I think. El Ro do you want to talk about the last project? Uh yeah. So today um I got a letter or an email from Mass Housing uh letting us know that there has been a new application for a 4 EB uh at 55 West Union uh Street. Um the email actually came kind of very late honestly to to me personally. I was not I haven't received any of the materials or the you know usually we get the narrative the architectural plan civil plans everything to distribute to the boards. Um, so we are I I uh communicated with Michael the
124town manager about that. So because they're requesting at on May 8th to provide comments about this project. However, this email just came very late to us. Apparently there was How large it is? One no 116 units. 116 units. Um apparently there was a site visit scheduled for yesterday. We different developer than the other two. Yes. Um we did not get any information at least on my department. So I was not able to communicate either to the zoning board or the planning board. Um so our next steps is basically to request for a extension to provide those comments so we can do it in a timely manner and also see we can get another site visit uh with the developer mass housing and the boards that are part of the process. Um, so we're working on
125that, but in the meantime, I guess if the extension is not provided, I don't know if the planning board would like to see maybe a time if I'm able to get all the materials to send. So, I think seeing the materials is good. I I also recall we had a memo from Peter at one point about our inventory for housing and the math, if you will, of whether we're at the threshold or not. And from what I recall, there was one project that was in legal process. UGC UGC um and the math was relevant relative to that project. So for me, I'm all for getting the materials. We're obviously we're being targeted obviously because we are vulnerable right now. I'd like to see an update from the town of that memo from Peter that has
126a very clear information about the status of that lawsuit because from what I recall we're superbly close to the math and that lawsuit can make a difference. So to me I would like a real live update because something is not adding up to me that's been going on for a really long time and uh we need to know what's happening and why that's not resolved yet because we're going to continue to be a target until either one of these projects has an actual live permit and apartments being built and it seems like the town is directly involved in a legal case that could prevent some of this from happening. Yeah, I think that um I mean that's my recollection of the math. I don't know if anyone else I don't think the town's involved in
127I guess we are because we're sort of I think we should have an update by now of some kind. I was thinking about that. Yeah, it's been a long time. Yeah. It would be good to get an update about what's happening. I don't think that um it has I don't think it has um an effect on what's happening on now with with I guess what I'm asking is I don't am I crazy that I remember the math mattered. In other words, if that if that particular project the percentage you just basically want updated we're over the threshold if that project clears legally. I could be wrong. I don't recall. Am I wrong? Go ahead. I think we also needed the 501 pond. So, okay. So, I'm not in the room for that one, so I
128can't really speak to where that I think our number is made that we need we needed two of the large projects to to be on the threshold. We needed two. Um, all right. So, because I'm not in the room for 501 pawn, I don't know where you guys are with that one. So, I'll let you figure that out. But, ultimately, we're being targeted. I think we need to figure out how to minimize that. But no, I'm happy to like look at the numbers and try to put something together for the next meeting so at least we can have an updated SHI number with all the projects on the pipeline. Yeah. Yeah. So anyway, the um you you also were able to talk to John and he was unaware as well. Is that right? Yes. like
129at least from our department. So like the the department the boards that I oversee had not idea of this and and I I already I also touched base with Yolanda who's currently chairing the select board and she did not know anything about the walkthrough. So apparently there was this thing scheduled that maybe went that maybe went nowhere potentially except to Peter's email and so no one knew about it. So I believe Michael was going to reach out to the state and ask for obviously well because it's the process is supposed to go to the select board. So like yeah so we don't know what happened in here. Alvo just got this email and was kind of like what? You know, he called me this afternoon saying, Trish, I just got this email, right? So, we
130don't know. We don't have anything to fill in. A lot of people are gone this week and that's all the information we have to give right now that something was kind of sort of scheduled. No one seems to have known about it. Michael is going to be reaching out to the state saying, "Hey, no one knew about this." And assuming that the clocks will be all moved back, but that's all we know at the present time. So, I don't think so, but it's all we can do. Yeah. But I guess just following up that thought, if the case was Yes, that will be. But if the case were that there is not an um new deadline to provide comments, um will the planning board want to look for like a potential date to look at
131the materials and submit something to mass housing? So, if the comments are due May 8th, um, did did you actually now receive the materials? Because no material. Why would May 8th be the deadline if no one has formally been noticed? Well, so hopefully it's not. But he's saying if it is, worst case scenario, the state says, "Nope, May 8th, that or nothing. Do we want to try to put something together?" No, we don't. No, we have we have a meeting on May. Town meetings on the 7th. Yeah. So I guess what happens then is you notify us and we attempt to do an out of sort meeting. Yeah. Probably maybe online like we did before. Exactly. Um is there any date that probably works for everybody? You'd have to throw together a survey monkey and
132hope that the majority of us can attend. There's only four of us. So hopefully what do we need? Three or two? Three. Three. Like three. So hopefully three of us can be there. Let's not I don't think we need to date when we don't even know if if this is going to be a May 8th deadline. Once you know, let us know and hopefully we can make we can follow that pro. So on Monday after I have more information or Tuesday I can send an email try to sort it out to make a meeting if it's needed and then we go from there. Yep. And I would say whoever is going to reach out to the state should convey the next planning board meeting happens to be on May 8th which is the deadline. Therefore
133we need more time. Yeah. And it's it's not and it's not just our feedback, but other committees as well. So, you know, again, this is zoning board of appeals, but um yeah, so other other committees are going to want that time as well. So, anyway, not a great way to end the meeting, but there you have it. Yeah. And just kind of like from what I've also know, um the YMCA is gearing up to send an application at some point. Um I don't know exactly if it's within the next month but they have been looking at finalizing that process and submit a formal application. Um and when the person that worked for the 20 Ponderosa roads Verizon antennas, she also let me know that there potentially will be a couple more applications regarding that matter
134that will come to the planning board um in the summer. So she didn't give me an exact date. She just gave me a heads up that there's potential to for two applications of those to come. Okay. Thanks, Alro. And there's no uh meeting minutes, right? No, not for this meeting. Are we going to talk about the questions for the planning position? Yes. So, I received a few more, so I can put it on the screen. Uh and I also put it on the binders. My only question on on this was question three and seven are extremely similar. I personally liked seven more than three. So, they're not they you could inter in that way. But it community planning is actually a term of art and mean something. So I I yes, you could strike one,
135but they're not technically the same. I understand. So then what we should do is I mean number six in that case may not be necessary because if three and seven are viewed as distinct differences, I see what you're saying. I would take six out because I I think that six is just not necessary. Once they answer three and seven, you have enough to know how they believe planners affect community. I would get rid of number six entirely. I think that's a soft question. I mean, it's sort of everybody knows the answer to it and really what you're going after is how will this person approach community planning and three and seven get you there and they tell you what the person believes planners do relative to. So, I would personally simplify it and get rid
136of number six. Yeah, I mean I agree that that I think um number six it doesn't have the weight of the other of the other questions. Exactly. Yeah. It's more like a touchyfey question and um where it's like oh they're really important. Yeah. We all know that. Yes. So I would get rid of it. Yeah. So, I mean, I I think these are these are great questions. Um, I did not I admit I did not submit any. Um, no offense to whoever wrote it, but um and and so far we have no um no, no applicants. If I may ask like how is this does this just kind of get posted or is there active recruitment that happens like do we it's it's posted in multiple locations not only just on our website but it's
137up on the places where y planning people look to find jobs yeah so for example like and this if I could ask was the posting requiring a specific level of experience yes and what was it I think it's three to five years has there been discussion as to lowering that to give some flexibility like I think the thing I think the And I can't say specifically what the numbers are, but there have been applications coming in. I see. But there haven't been people maybe that are as qualified as we would like, especially given Got it. So the applications are coming in just no, no one has risen above the initial round. Yeah. Yeah. It's not that we're not getting any applications. I don't know what those numbers are, but I think there are applications coming
138in, but nothing nothing that they wanted to jump on, let's say. I think I think Jen is looking into an organization called Planners in a Pinch where you can like a temporary service for planners. Sounds troubling. Well, understanding that behind No offense, isn't that like the exact contradiction of planning? Yeah, but but you have to understand that a lot of the as in all of our jobs, there's a lot of emergency planning. There's a lot of paperwork that needs to be done and things that all these places, right? take we can just take Kate's checklist and we're all set. Sorry, but I mean if that's um an option though, like when we've had interim town managers, we've had some good stuff come out. They right they've known some things. So I mean I do it.
139I would assume it's instead of emergency, it's interim and there could be there could be some it's just that there's a lot of daytoday stuff as everyone knows that needs to happen that's someone just needs to do and it doesn't need totally doesn't need to be someone who understands the heart of Ash I mean I would argue if that's still it's not emergency but interim that the planning board should still have be involved in that process. Um, yeah, I'll I'll because there could be less or more qualified people doing those are more or less aligned with Yeah, I'm less um I'm I I don't know what that process will be. I don't know even if um Jen has reached out to to really try starting that process. It was just a matter of hey, this
140might take a while to get the right person. So maybe it's just getting, you know, basically a temporary person in there. So I for one, um, uh, I I'm happy to help if she needs assistance with that, but I also trust Jen's abilities and professionalism to find someone that she thinks can do that job until we select a a town planner, a permanent town planner. So again, knowing the weight of things that are on my agenda and everyone's agenda, I'm not sure I want to slow down that process in order to grill someone with a lot of questions for a temporary position that I'm just hoping someone will take and help us out. We'll see. I'll definitely talk to Jen about it. And then you're having someone have an impact on our community that I
141think if if there's if that temporary turns into a long term, then I assume they'd be having to go through the a process versus a temporary, you know, thing. So um I guess the best way to approach it is can we find out if this planner temp concept is being considered what the term of the temporary assignment would be? Well yeah how does that let's start that let's let's get some basics so that we understand it that question I definitely think we as a planning board should have some role to play. Um yeah that question would be how does that temporary process potentially relate to the permanent process? Yep. And the other thing I was going to ask is if we can see the posting that would be helpful for it's online. Great. Awesome. So
142the same post that went out to the organizations I believe is the same LinkedIn and APA. Those are the quickest ones to find. I'm just surprised that it's only three to five year experience. Well, apparently there's at the present time and this was say two weeks ago that there were four or five other towns looking for planners. So it's also a competitive process. So um potentially so it may not be easy and it may not be quick um hence the need for some temporary help. So um great and yeah so I think uh is there anything else on the agenda for tonight? I'll make a motion what to adjourn at 9:24. Is there a second? Second. I Katherine and Trisha Kendall. Thank you everybody.