Christopher Fitzgerald

Key discussions focused on several funding requests related to Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The committee heard a presentation on the proposed Burchard Park Playground Design, which requires an estimated $50,000 from CPA funds. A motion to table this, the Dog Park Project, and the Field Lighting Project until the Recreation Commission prioritized them and established a funding plan failed in a tie vote. A presentation on the Field 1 Lighting Project requested $400,000 in CPA funds to address high demand for fields during evening hours in the fall. The committee unanimously passed a motion recommending approval of a $300,000 CPA request from the Tree Advisory Group for tree rehabilitation on the Town Green, involving 53 new trees in Phase 1. Additionally, a motion passed unanimously recommending approval for $48,000 in CPA funds for the Regional Housing Service Office.

The meeting focused on strategies for fulfilling the 3A zoning requirement of 750 units. Key updates included discussions on overlaying 3A zoning onto Merriam Village to potentially delay or exclude development due to preexisting structures, aiming for 62-100 units. The committee also discussed applying 3A zoning to the 751 Boston Post Road (BPR) property, which is an active 40B project, noting this approach minimizes impact on abutters. Parameters and outlines for drafting the bylaw for these projects are expected soon to allow for summer review and fall public discussion. Site walks for 133 BPR were announced, and the potential relocation of the Kendall Green Station to the Boston Properties site was mentioned as a factor affecting development options. The scope update for the Land Use Planning RFP indicated it would be available for review at a future meeting. Furthermore, reasons for excluding the Weston Golf Club and Pine Brook in 2024 were reviewed, prioritizing projects more likely to receive majority votes. Public comments addressed buildable land restrictions for the golf clubs and the impact of 3A overlay on property tax assessments. The next meeting was scheduled for June 12.

The meeting focused on strategies for fulfilling the 3A zoning requirement to accommodate 750 units. Key discussions included overlaying 3A zoning onto the Merriam Village property to potentially delay development due to existing structures, with a target of 62-100 units. The committee also reviewed overlaying 3A zoning onto the 751 Boston Post Road (BPR) property, which is an active 40B construction project, as a means to limit zoning units developed while minimizing impact on abutters. The strategy of overlaying 3A and 40B was noted as an approach used by other towns. Parameters for the 751 BPR and 133 BPR projects are expected soon for bylaw drafting, with plans for public review over the summer and discussion in the fall, possibly including public sessions for each site. Updates were provided on the Land Use Planning RFP scope, which will be available for committee review at a future meeting. Consideration of the Weston Golf Club and Pine Brook properties for 3A rezoning was discussed, concluding that opportunities likely to receive a majority vote should be pursued, potentially led by Town residents. Public comments addressed the buildable acreage behind the Weston Golf Club and the tax implications of 3A overlay zoning. The next meeting is scheduled for June 12.

The Board of Assessors meeting included the signing of several procedural documents, specifically the Second Half Commitments for Real Estate Tax, Personal Property Tax, Community Preservation Surcharge, and Water Liens for Fiscal Year 2026, along with associated interest commitments. The Principal Assessor distributed the sales report by Land Use for calendar year 2025, noting that these sales figures will form the basis for fiscal year 2027 assessments. Additionally, the Board was informed that no abatement applications had been received for fiscal year 2026 as the filing deadline was approaching.

The meeting included an update on the ongoing 3A lawsuit, noting that the Massachusetts Superior Court dismissed all municipal challenges against the MBTA Communities Act as unfunded mandates. Discussions regarding the 133 Boston Post Road site walks focused on illustrating the plan with Boston Properties, including potentially relocating the Kendall Green station and adjusting proposed building heights and density, specifically increasing density near the existing office building. The overall zoning matrix update addressed Merriam Village, 751 BPR, and the Wightman site, noting that current proposals result in a higher than necessary average density, allowing for flexibility. It was confirmed that Mill Creek is not interested in developing the 751 BPR area under the current zoning overlay. Scheduling for future meetings, including sessions with developers at 751 BPR and Merriam Village, was discussed, and the idea of creating a public 'roadmap to Town Meeting' was proposed. Resident comments included concerns about the lawsuit dismissal interpretation and the scope of the Housing Production Plan.