Eric J. Labelle

The meeting addressed the approval of previous minutes with minor corrections regarding quoted statistics and spelling of attendees' names. Key discussions focused on Old Business, specifically a consent agreement reached regarding commercial activity on the beach, which prohibits service but allows limited chair/umbrella storage and mandates staff-free setup/takedown by guests, while reinstating beverage/food service on the front lawn with a 12-seat limit. The committee also reviewed a proposed compromise for parking reconfiguration to maintain the required 173 spots, which involves relocating spots lost due to marsh degradation and safety concerns on Dyke Road and New Bedford Road, and adding spots along Kings Highway. Members of the safety committee expressed strong concerns regarding the safety implications of placing new parking spots along the west end of Kings Highway due to high volumes of pedestrian and bicycle traffic in an area lacking sidewalks.

The meeting included introductions of committee members and guests, notably State Representative Tracy Gear. The primary discussion focused on legislative changes impacting the comprehensive plan, specifically LD1829 and a related "fix it bill." Concerns were raised regarding the potential for LD1829 to encourage high-end development over affordable housing options in the town, given its current real estate market dynamics, especially concerning density bonuses and lot size reductions near the waterfront. The committee expressed a desire to see the language of the "fix it bill" to better understand its impact. Discussions also touched upon the town's capacity for growth, referencing a wastewater treatment plant study and the importance of maintaining current tax levels.

The meeting featured a presentation by State Representative Tracy Gear regarding legislative changes, specifically focusing on LD1829, which pertains to housing and economic development, particularly in designated growth areas with existing infrastructure. Discussion centered on the bill's intent to promote affordable housing through density allowances, contrasting with local concerns that the changes might lead to high-end development, loss of town character, and strain on municipal resources such as sewer capacity. Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of transparency surrounding a proposed 'fix it bill' intended to amend LD1829. Committee members and guests debated the impact of reduced lot sizes on housing affordability for local workers and the necessity for local measures, such as historical districts, to maintain community character against potential high-demand luxury development.

The Planning Board meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the current session and a site walk held on October 1st. The primary agenda item involved a continued initial review for property at 132 Marshall Point Road regarding Phase 2 of a shoreline revetment project. Discussions included the removal of planned dune restoration due to natural recovery, confirmation of the NERPA permit, and the construction access route. The board also reviewed the combined parking plan for properties at 127 Ocean A and 133 Ocean A, which involves converting spa rooms into hotel rooms and staff housing into hotel units, resulting in a net reduction of seven required parking spaces. The board stipulated that clarifications regarding impervious surface percentages and parking requirements from a 2011 application must be provided before the next public hearing scheduled for December 3rd. The board also addressed and approved waivers concerning lighting, signs, and flooring area.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the December 11, 2025 session. During the public forum, a participant expressed gratitude for the hard work concerning a potential agreement with "the tides" related to commercial use on the beach. The participant also inquired about the status of a quitclaim deed for Norwood Avenue, for which an update was pending from the attorney. A concern was raised regarding potential public parking space adjustments in the Goose Rocks area, contingent upon whether a right-of-way associated with the Norwood Avenue matter is deemed public access. The board noted that any determination made in January regarding parking could be subject to modification based on subsequent developments. The meeting concluded with the approval of the December 22, 2025 treasurers warrant and an adjournment.