In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the approval process for a new development project, emphasizing the need for separate votes on the site plan and the density bonus. The project, which has already received town meeting approval, is currently awaiting final review from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) regarding compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.

The zoning bylaw, which allows the project to proceed, has been approved by the attorney general's office. However, officials noted that any changes required by the state would necessitate a return to town meeting for amendments, although such changes would not invalidate current approvals.

Concerns were raised about the project's affordability requirements, specifically the proposed 20% of units designated as affordable housing. This exceeds the state’s minimum requirement of 10%, which aims to prevent discouragement of development in various market conditions. The town's economic feasibility analysis supporting the higher requirement has been approved, but uncertainty remains regarding the EOHLC's final approval.

Officials assured that even if the state later imposed changes, developers could still voluntarily provide more affordable housing than required. The discussion also touched on the potential for additional affordable units through alternative routes outlined in the bylaw, such as stormwater management, which could increase the total affordable housing percentage to 25%.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of adhering to the current zoning regulations while remaining open to future negotiations regarding affordability levels, although no immediate changes to the proposal were anticipated.