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Board tables a contentious street‑naming request for a cultivation site, advances road‑priority work and posts two 'no through traffic' signs
Summary
The select board discussed road committee repair priorities and debated a proposed street name submitted by an applicant for a cultivation site (M&M 1833 LLC). Several members objected that proposed names referenced drug use; the board tabled the naming decision and asked for alternatives. Separately the board accepted road committee recommendations for phased grinding/paving and voted to post 'no through traffic' signs on two connector streets (vote 3–1).
Road planning and road‑name proposals drew extended discussion at the meeting, with three distinct outcomes: the board accepted road‑committee prioritization for pavement and repair, tabled a controversial road‑naming proposal tied to a planned cultivation site, and approved temporary traffic signage to discourage construction cut‑throughs.
Road committee recommendations: the committee presented a multi‑step plan to grind, repair and pave a set of connector and subdivision streets (grind/repair in fall 2026, repairs winter/spring, paving in 2027). The committee emphasized the importance of using objective traffic and speed data (which the newly authorized trailer is intended to provide) to decide where permanent speed tables meet criteria rather than relying on complaint counts alone.
Contested naming for 482 Water Road: an applicant identified as M&M 1833 LLC submitted two proposed names that several board members criticized as referencing drug use (names discussed included variants on 'High Yield'/'High Rate'). Multiple board members said they were uncomfortable approving a name that could be read as promoting drug use and asked the applicant to submit alternative names. The board moved to table the name decision and asked staff to consult the historical society and return with acceptable options.
Traffic control: after hearing residents’ concerns about cut‑through traffic on Welsh and Stanley, the board voted to post 'no through traffic' signs on those roads (3–1). Board members said signs are intended to reduce safety risks during ongoing construction projects and to discourage nonlocal drivers from using residential streets as shortcuts.
Ending and next steps: staff will solicit alternative road‑name proposals and bring them back for action; road committee and public works will use trailer data and project schedules to refine which streets meet criteria for speed tables and paving in 2027.
Quotes and tone: board members framed the naming question as a balance between property‑owner choice and community standards; one member summarized the concern as: 'We don't need a road name that references getting high.' That phrasing was used in debate but the board did not adopt a final name and instead asked for new suggestions.
