Public forum prompts committee discussion of sandpit future — solar and senior housing both considered

Members of the Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee recapped a public forum on the sandpit and debated options raised by residents and presenters, including low-impact solar use and senior housing models similar to the Village at Duxbury.

Committee members said a later portion of the forum drew the most engagement and that some residents emphasized that residential development often costs a town more in services than it yields in taxes, while others argued the town needs revenue and housing. One commenter described solar as a lower-impact alternative that requires clearing but produces steady revenue with little ongoing demand for town services. Another committee member described a senior-housing model that mixes independent and assisted living units, provides on-site services and transportation, and would likely create jobs and generate tax revenue without increasing K–12 enrollment.

The committee noted the next procedural step: consultants preparing a report that reflects public input and identifies feasible options and constraints. That report was expected to be circulated to the select board and planning board around Sept. 9. The committee agreed letters and materials about senior-housing models and solar options should be routed to the select board and planning board as part of the record.

No land-use decisions were made at the meeting; members urged the committee and town staff to provide written materials to planning officials before the consultant report deadline so the select and planning boards can incorporate the committee’s position and evidence from the forum into subsequent reviews.