In a recent meeting of the Planning and Development Board held on November 26, members discussed several key agenda items, including public concerns regarding noise pollution from a local car wash and updates on upcoming projects.

The meeting began with introductions from board members and staff, followed by a review of the agenda. Notably, the board announced changes regarding the Taber Street Auto project and the Water's Edge development, with the latter rescheduled for discussion in December.

Public comments took center stage, with residents voicing their frustrations over the noise generated by the Squeaky Clean Car Wash on Route 13. Meg Butcher, a nearby resident, highlighted the detrimental impact of the car wash's operations on her family's quality of life, citing excessive noise levels that have made outdoor enjoyment nearly impossible. She criticized the approval process that allowed the car wash to operate without a thorough sound study, questioning the adequacy of the documentation provided by the business owner.

Another resident, Adam Chandler, echoed Butcher's concerns, asking the board about the mechanisms in place for addressing potential mistakes made during project approvals. The board members acknowledged the public's frustrations but clarified that the purpose of the public comment period was not for immediate dialogue but rather for the board to consider the feedback.

Board member Jane raised questions about the approval process for the car wash, suggesting that sound issues were not adequately addressed during discussions. She noted that the zoning regulations in the area are changing, which may prevent similar projects in the future.

The board confirmed that the car wash owner plans to return with a revised proposal in December, with a public hearing scheduled for January 2024. This upcoming meeting will provide residents another opportunity to voice their concerns and suggest potential mitigations for the noise issues.

The meeting concluded with a presentation on the Outlook project at 815 South Aurora Street, where updates and responses to previous comments were shared. The board emphasized the importance of community input in shaping local developments and reiterated their commitment to addressing residents' concerns in future discussions.