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Board divided on building height and sewer capacity as members weigh town character
Summary
Members debated whether the project should be limited to three stories, with concerns about 4‑story scale, downtown character and sewer allocation; proponents said higher density could bring young families and new retail customers.
Board members expressed divided views on building scale and how the redevelopment plan affects town character. One member said, "I still think 4 stories is what is too tall for our... town," arguing the scale risks changing the downtown’s look. Others countered that higher density would help retain young families and bring customers to downtown retail.
Members also raised sewer‑allocation concerns and the need to coordinate with the municipal utilities authority. Agency staff noted existing sewer capacity is limited and that larger projects may require developers to address sewer connections or plant capacity. Board members asked for a strategic conversation about how modifications to the redevelopment plan (for example, allowing four stories) might affect future projects and sewer allocations across the town.
The debate did not change the board’s conditional approvals at the meeting, but members asked staff to include sewer allocation and strategic planning questions in future discussions and to seek an executive briefing on financial assumptions behind taller proposals.
