The Plaistow Planning Board convened on December 18, 2024, to discuss several key issues regarding local conservation efforts and proposed ordinance changes. The meeting focused on the role of the Conservation Commission and the procedural challenges surrounding the establishment of prime wetlands in the town.

A significant point of contention arose regarding the authority of the Conservation Commission in proposing changes to town ordinances. Board members expressed concerns about the commission's previous attempts to advance a warrant article without proper planning board involvement. It was noted that procedural errors, including inadequate notice and the cancellation of initial meetings, had hindered progress on these matters.

The discussion highlighted the ambiguity surrounding whether the proposed changes would be presented as a warrant article for the Board of Selectmen's vote or as a planning board ordinance. Members sought clarity on whether the planning board would have the authority to amend the proposal during the deliberative session. The consensus indicated that if the planning board were to vote on the matter, it would not be amendable at that stage.

One board member urged the planning board to reject the current proposal, describing it as a "bastardized process" and advocating for the establishment of prime wetlands with setbacks aligned with existing wetland regulations to avoid impacting property use. This sentiment reflected a broader concern that the proposed changes lacked support from those directly affected by them.

The meeting also addressed the procedural logistics of continuing discussions on the proposed map of prime wetlands. A suggestion was made to continue the hearing to January 15, allowing the board to address both the map and the ordinance simultaneously. Board members acknowledged that while the ordinance could exist independently of the map, a unified approach might provide logical continuity to the discussions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the complexities of local conservation efforts and the need for clear communication and procedural adherence among the various governing bodies involved. The planning board plans to reconvene in January to further deliberate on these pressing issues.