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Boxborough Planning Board to pilot hybrid meetings; Aug. 17 meeting set for 7:30 p.m.
Summary
After extended discussion on logistics and accessibility, the board agreed to pilot hybrid (in-person + Zoom) meetings beginning Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; the Aug. 3 MBTA Communities hearing will remain remote as noticed.
The Boxborough Planning Board on July 20 agreed to pilot hybrid meetings — a combination of in-person and remote participation — beginning with its Aug. 17 meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Members debated start times, public-access logistics for plan sets and whether consultants and staff should be expected to attend in person. Several members said a later start (7:30 p.m.) would help accommodate dinner schedules and reduce midnight finishes; members also emphasized the value of Zoom for public participation and convenience for applicants’ consultants. Alec described technical arrangements used by other boards, including asking applicants to join from a laptop and screen-share plans so remote participants see the same materials as those in the room; staff noted an additional large screen can be positioned for board members.
The board decided to preserve the already-noticed Aug. 3 MBTA Communities hearing as a remote meeting to avoid re-noticing and to run a hybrid pilot on Aug. 17 starting at 7:30 p.m. Staff said they will coordinate room and equipment logistics and confirm whether the board will use Grange Hall or another municipal space to accommodate hybrid presentation needs.
