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Neighbors press Select Board on Silver Hollow trash as board votes to begin public‑way layout
Summary
Neighbors described recurring litter from the Silver Hollow development and asked the Select Board to require developer cleanup and clearer communication; the board voted to initiate the multi-step public‑way layout for Bard Owl Drive, Meadowlark Lane and Blue Heron Court and asked for DPW follow‑up and an update at the September meeting.
Residents abutting the Silver Hollow Estates told the Select Board they have repeatedly found construction and household trash blowing into their yards, and they asked the town to make the developer and transition HOA more responsive. George and Lynn Grossner said the problem began in early 2024, that building‑department contacts and a sanitarian visit did not resolve recurring litter, and that they ultimately removed several bags of trash themselves. Other neighbors reinforced concerns and asked the board for follow‑up.
Staff and the town engineer told the board the meeting item was a procedural first step in an eight‑step process to lay out new streets as public ways; the planning and other boards will review the plan and town meeting still must approve acceptance if it reaches the warrant. The town engineer said DPW inspectors responded to the recent report, that erosion control and barrier issues were being addressed by the developer, and that trash is more complicated because some material appears to be residential and the HOA is in transition from developer control.
Board members stressed the importance of follow‑up. Several members urged DPW and planning staff to provide an update at the Select Board’s September meeting and asked that the Select Board liaison to the planning board track the item as it moves through the 45‑day planning board review and later town‑meeting steps. The Select Board voted to forward the plan and intent to the planning board under G.L. c.44, §§81G/I; roll call showed the motion approved 5–0.
The board and staff said the intent vote does not accept the public way today but starts the formal process; if punch‑list items are not completed before the next reviews, other boards can voice objections and the Select Board may pause action before any town meeting warrant request.
Residents said they will continue to submit records and requests to the town clerk and departments; Select Board members said they would monitor progress and encouraged the developer to be responsive to neighbors.
