Planning Board Meeting

The Planning Board met and handled multiple major development applications and administrative actions. The Board approved the site plan decision for 27.5–29 Clarks Road (a large, clustered residential project) with detailed conditions addressing traffic/sidewalks, stormwater, building design, trail/open-space provisions, and affordable housing timing; the decision incorporated peer-review recommendations and prompted extensive public comment focused on traffic impacts, reduced setbacks, density, environmental concerns, and maintenance of proposed conservation land. The Board also approved the site plan and Historic Preservation Special Permit for 45 Main St., granting waivers for parking and the affordable unit requirement with conditions including a recorded preservation restriction and adherence to approved plans; the waiver for parking was amended to reference a police department letter about parking management.

Several other hearings were continued to the February 23, 2026 meeting, including 14 Maple St., 5 & 13 School St., Rocky Hill Development, and 29 Lake Attitash Road. The Board voted to send a letter to the Mayor recommending use of 40R funds for raised crosswalks and sidewalk extensions on Clarks Road. Administrative actions included the release of a $25,000 bond for 130 Market St., multiple bond releases/reductions for Bailey’s Pond, and the release of the covenant for 5-7 Moncrief St.; the Board also paid consultant invoices and noted concerns about meeting minutes being delayed and harder for the public to access.