Neighbors press for clearer assurances on pavilion runoff as ZBA considers conditional permit

Residents and board members spent the longest portion of the meeting debating a proposed pavilion and whether the project could cause increased runoff to adjacent properties. The town is applicant for a conditional‑use permit that the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) must consider.

Several neighbors and board members said the ZBA had asked for "reasonably satisfactory assurances" from the engineer that the pavilion would not cause a "material adverse impact" by increasing water flow onto neighboring properties. The town's zoning administrator said the engineer had provided emails and information but declined to issue a blanket guarantee; the administrator reported the engineer wrote he would "meet to review" and described factors that made a blanket assurance irresponsible. A neighbor said they had expected the engineer to appear in person and that community input felt limited.

Board members agreed to compile the thread of the engineer's emails, prior meeting materials and letters (including a letter from a long‑time road commissioner) and submit them to the ZBA for its March consideration. The board emphasized that the ZBA, not the Select Board, will decide whether the documentation satisfies the ZBA's condition; if the ZBA rejects the material, the town will need to commission additional engineering work or modify the proposal.

Participants also discussed scope and cost: earlier project estimates had separated the ball field work from the pavilion because combined work became unaffordable; the town may pursue mitigation measures (berms, grading, or other options) if required by the ZBA. One resident warned of potential liability if the town "didn't do their due diligence" and the project later caused damage. The Select Board said it will present the assembled materials at the ZBA hearing and encourage the engineer to attend or be available by Zoom.