Danica Cucchi

The agenda for this meeting includes the Director's Report, an update on the Lighting Project, an update regarding the Hybrid meeting room AV setup, planning for the 250th Anniversary programming concerning 'Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness @ your library,' an update from the Friends of the Library, and the review of Acceptances and Expenditures. The meeting also reserves time for New Business and Public Participation.

The meeting included an update from the Planning Board regarding recent Department of Community & Economic Development projects and potential 2026 Warrant Articles related to Zoning Bylaw and General Bylaw Amendments, such as those concerning Battery Energy Storage Systems, Short-term Rental Properties, and various district regulations. A significant portion of the agenda focused on a Public Hearing concerning four Petition Articles for a Special Town Meeting, all related to withdrawing, funding prohibition, and public accounting for the Town's current lawsuit against the Westwood Land Trust. The Commission was scheduled to deliberate and vote on recommendations for these Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles. The agenda also included discussion of the Regular Meeting Minutes from December 2, 2025.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to evaluate and score three prospective site options for a new FS1 facility: 637 High Street (rebuild on the current site), the Deerfield School Site (town-owned property), and the Behind Starbucks site (town-owned land behind the local Starbucks). The committee discussed and scored these options based on various criteria, noting that the High Street site faces constraints such as a 25-foot height limit and tight setbacks, which make modern configurations difficult compared to the other two sites that offer more flexibility, including potential drive-thru bays. The cost and timeline were not ranked. The committee also initiated a review of the department's programmatic needs, developing a chart that will be made available on the Steering Committee webpage.

The key topics for discussion include the consideration of an Approval Not Required (ANR) Plan for property located at 541, 509, and 529 High Street. A public hearing is scheduled regarding an amendment to the Mixed-use Multi-family Residential Overlay District (MUMFROD) Special Permit for The Block at 22 Everett, involving relocation and downsizing of the playground, addition of a dog park, landscaping adjustments, and increased parking spaces. The board will also continue public hearings concerning the 2025 Housing Production Plan and proposed Zoning Bylaw, Zoning Map, and/or General Bylaw Amendment Articles for the May 2026 Annual Town Meeting, covering subjects like Battery Energy Storage Systems, Adult Day Care, Animal Daycare, definitions, and Short-term Rental Properties. Further discussions include the exploration of a Chapter 40Y Starter Home Zoning District. The agenda also allocates time for reviewing draft meeting minutes from February 10 and February 24, 2026, and administrative updates.

The committee discussed moving forward with feasibility and schematic design studies for three potential sites for Fire Station 1, recommending that the Select Board place an article for funding on the upcoming Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Additionally, the committee reviewed the deteriorating condition of the current fire station and discussed various short-term workaround options to address structural instability and firefighter living conditions, emphasizing the need to prioritize health and safety until a permanent facility solution is implemented.