Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee unanimously recommended that the Mayor approve three outdoor dining applications: Barking Dog at 18 Friend Street, Silvaticus Brewery at 9 Water Street, and Market Square Bakehouse at 5 Market Square. Each application was presented as unchanged from prior years and approvals were granted with brief discussion of layout and pedestrian/traffic considerations (four picnic tables for Barking Dog; two parking spaces and food‑truck space for Silvaticus; a lower patio with 4–5 tables and perimeter barrier for Market Square Bakehouse).

The committee then received an extensive presentation on the 27 Kimball Road comprehensive permit (40B) application. The project is a proposed 95‑unit build‑to‑rent “cottage community” of one‑ and two‑story detached and paired units, with on‑site management, a terraced site layout, paseos, and a 240‑foot central open space. Engineering discussion covered stormwater design meeting MA DEP standards, reuse of catch basins, infiltration chambers, groundwater recharge, and a proposed forced sewer main extension and pump system; utilities would be 100% electric with onsite distribution. A transportation consultant reported modest projected peak‑hour trips (fewer than 50), no high‑crash trends on nearby roads, and proposed intersection and traffic‑calming improvements at Route 110/Kimball Road. The TRC discussed wetlands and buffer issues (ANRAD/NOI with the Conservation Commission), the peer review process and ZBA’s role as permitting authority, and noted coordination with town staff and many abutter letters; the applicant will present to the ZBA on April 9 and peer review proposals are expected to be selected at that time.