Richard Asmann

The meeting included a public comment session where a representative from the Center for Independent Living offered advocacy assistance for people with disabilities concerning issues such as transportation and regulation. Key discussions focused on the FY 2026 ADA Improvement Grant, designating a contact person to coordinate with Bill Nemser on the grant. Additionally, the status of ADA state complaints throughout town was reviewed, confirming that all planned corrections for docketed items have been approved by the state, including the repair of parking spot C25-093. Other matters addressed included a recurring complaint regarding the ADA compliance of a local business, the Boston Bean, and clarification on the automatic renewal process for handicapped placards in Massachusetts.

The meeting included two public hearings conducted remotely under the Wetlands Protection Act and local bylaws. The first hearing concerned a Notice of Intent for 11 Pleasant Street, proposing demolition of an existing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and construction of a new ADU, workshop building, and associated features within the Riverfront Area and Buffer Zone; this hearing was continued to a later date to allow for a scheduled site visit. The second public hearing, a continuation for DEP#213-0303 at 14-16 Hillside Street, involved proposed alterations for converting the property into a three-unit apartment house, including a new deck and impervious parking area; this hearing was also continued. Additionally, Agent Updates covered attendance at a Community Preservation Committee meeting regarding potential funding for land acquisition at 182 Parker Street, and a follow-up action was assigned regarding the expired Order of Conditions at 86 Powder Mill Road.

The meeting agenda included a roll call, voting on several financial warrants for Fiscal Year 2026, including Real Estate, CPA Surcharge, Personal Property, and Lien Warrants, as well as the Motor Vehicle Commitment 2025-06 and Senior & Veteran Work-Off Distributions. The Board planned to review and sign monthly excise abatement reports for December 2025, discuss abatement summaries, contracted inspections, and overtime needs for the Assessing Office staff. The session was scheduled to conclude with public comment and an executive session to review and vote on FY2026 Real Estate Tax Exemption applications, after which the public meeting would not reconvene.

The meeting included opening remarks emphasizing decorum and procedures for public participation. The agenda featured two public hearings concerning Notices of Intent filed under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and local bylaws. The first hearing addressed proposed alterations at 14-16 Hillside Street, including the creation of a rear deck and a new impervious parking area for five cars, related to the renovation of the property into a three-unit apartment house. The second hearing focused on the property at 11 Pleasant Street, where applicants proposed demolishing an existing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and constructing a new ADU, a workshop building, permeable geogrid, and rain gardens. Agent Updates were also scheduled, and the meeting minutes from January 13, 2026, were noted for review.

The proceedings included public hearings that were continued from a previous date (January 13, 2026). The first public hearing concerned a Notice of Intent for property at 14-16 Hillside Street, involving proposed alterations such as a rear deck and new impervious parking area due to renovation from a single-family home to a three-unit apartment house. The second public hearing addressed a Notice of Intent for 11 Pleasant Street, proposing the demolition of an existing Accessory Dwelling Unit and the construction of a new ADU, workshop, and rain gardens. The document also lists an upcoming meeting scheduled for January 27, 2026.