Board clears 526 Post Road school plan for public hearing, debates traffic and single‑access road

The planning board voted unanimously to accept the school‑use submission at 526 Post Road as complete for public hearing without requiring updated sewer or water capacity letters, and appointed the planning office as the completeness agent. The decision came during an extended discussion about traffic impacts and the potential for future subdivision on the parcel.

Lena Toby and Warner Gilliam of Walsh Engineering introduced themselves and said they represent Grace Group LLC, the property owner. Staff noted the property falls within the Route 1 corridor study and that a 15‑ft landscape buffer is required along the frontage; the current plan shows four shade trees along Route 1, and staff said a minimum of two shade trees along the lane would satisfy that lane buffer requirement.

A motion that the board not require additional sewer or water capacity letters for the school use was made, seconded and approved unanimously. The board also voted to appoint the planning office as the completeness agent so a public hearing can be scheduled.

The substantive debate centered on traffic and access: several members expressed concern the new internal road provides only one way in and one way out, and said that if future uses change (for example, conversion of the rear lots to multifamily housing or adding ADUs), trip generation could increase substantially. Board member Dave said, "I really do. I I I can't see approving something that's going to cause problems down the road," pressing the applicant on whether deed restrictions or a second entrance could be required. The applicant said they are willing to consider deed restrictions to limit ADUs and offered to modify entrance stacking to provide additional capacity.

Next steps: applicant to provide any requested plan modifications and the planning office will schedule a public hearing once the submission packet is complete.