Town Hall Phase 2 Site Work and Tree Removal

Read a letter from Conservation Board Chair Karen Berger requesting a pause on Phase 2 and 3 designs due to incomplete information regarding tree removals.

Criticized the lack of public engagement and transparency regarding the Town Hall project and urged the board to approve the amendment to save green space.

Argued that separating Phase 2 parking from Phase 3 recreation is a mistake and criticized the pedestrian and bicycle circulation in the design.

Expressed concern over the loss of green space and trees, noting that parking lot layouts could easily be modified to preserve nature.

Former planning board chair detailed failures to comply with town and state law, FOIL request issues, and lack of environmental review coordination.

Expressed strong opposition to Phase 2 due to close proximity to her property and potential impacts from future phases.

Former planning board member who resigned in protest; argued the plan suffers from generational flaws and urged a pause for a master plan.

Expressed deep disappointment in the board's lack of transparency and failure to leverage planning board professionals.

Questioned the arborist's reasoning for removing leaning trees and urged the board to represent residents rather than temporary staff needs.

Shared a personal lesson on stopping when a blunder is made rather than compounding mistakes.

Expressed confusion over the design details and urged the board to pause and design the project comprehensively.

Suggested that sidewalks and walkways should be designed after observing natural walking patterns post-construction.

Advised against rushing a multi-million-dollar project based on a self-imposed timeline.

Questioned why there is no comprehensive plan and noted that paving deadlines shouldn't override long-term community impacts.