In a follow-up to the September 17th special town meeting, town officials reviewed the outcomes of the 17 articles presented, with significant discussions surrounding zoning bylaw amendments, particularly those related to short-term rentals. Out of the nine articles called, only one—Article 5, a general bylaw amendment for short-term rentals—was approved. This amendment will be forwarded to the attorney general for review and subsequent updates to the town code.

Conversely, several proposed amendments concerning short-term rentals, including Articles 1, 2, and 4, were not approved, leading to a call for future discussions among stakeholders to find common ground. Officials expressed concern over the lack of consensus, emphasizing the need for a broad coalition to support any future proposals. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by various groups in the community, with some members noting that without a unified approach, the likelihood of passing any new articles remains low.

The meeting also touched on the importance of collaboration and compromise among community members, particularly in light of ongoing litigation regarding zoning issues. Officials noted that the current situation could push stakeholders toward finding middle ground, but warned that continued division could hinder progress.

In addition to zoning matters, the town manager provided updates on various ongoing projects, including the Baxter Road alternative access project and long-term solid waste planning. The town is also in the process of hiring for several key positions, including a deputy housing director and a health and human services director.

As the town prepares for future meetings, officials stressed the importance of focusing on a single, well-supported article to avoid the complications that arise from multiple competing proposals. The hope is that through continued dialogue and collaboration, the community can address pressing issues effectively.