Planning Board

The HCAM Planning Board meeting on October 20, 2026, addressed development applications, scenic-road work, and a proposed tree-mitigation fund; no contract awards, vendor selections, bids, or purchasing decisions were identified. The board appointed Peter Memo as its representative to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), which reported roughly $2 million available for historic preservation, open space, affordable housing, and recreation projects. Potential projects discussed included the Fruit Street ball-field area, possible property acquisitions, and library preservation. Conservation Commission representatives presented an early proposal for collecting mitigation payments toward tree planting; the board discussed possible uses and coordination with existing tree funds, but took no action on the proposal, which will be revised and revisited.

The board approved the 27 Pleasant Street approval-not-required plan and approved findings, a scenic-road permit, and closure of the hearing for 147 Ash Street, including shrub planting to mitigate tree impacts. It also approved an amendment to the major project site plan for 87 Hayden Row Street, increasing parking from 46 to 53 spaces and requiring one additional EV charging space. The larger 14 Main Street/10 Walcott Street development application remained under review: board members and residents raised concerns about parking compliance, setbacks, pedestrian access, traffic, trash collection, and water capacity. The hearings were continued to November 16, with the storm-water permit decision deadline extended to November 30, 2026.