Council reviews 2006 vs. 2023 downtown plans; residents and staff debate 11-acre land purchase and Chestnut Square Park Phase 2

Town leaders reviewed differences between the 2006 and 2023 downtown master plans and discussed town-owned parkland and Chestnut Square Park Phase 2 during the Oct. 16 meeting, with public comment raising concerns about a prior land purchase and staff summarizing recent park construction.

Why it matters: The downtown master plan establishes zoning, building heights and how the town manages future redevelopment in its core; comments and staff updates touched on whether town-owned property is suitable for a community center, and on the cost and feasibility of park-phase work already under way.

Public comment on land purchase: Resident Dan Schellenkamp told the council he considers the July 11, 2023 purchase of an 11-acre parcel ‘‘an ill-advised purchase’’ and said council members voted to buy the land without reviewing taxpayer-funded…