Planning Board — June 4, 2026

The board shared a list of upcoming community events: townwide shred day (June 6), library board game day (June 6), a Public Arts Committee fundraiser (June 7), Narcan training (June 10), and Leo's Pride Celebration (June 13). The Public Arts Committee also detailed a community mural project starting June 20.

Information was disseminated to the public.

Members discussed the success of a recent survey that exceeded its 1,000-response goal. They highlighted updates to the committee website, including the draft charter and FAQs, and announced a community input session for June 17.

The public was encouraged to visit the website and attend the input session.

Government Review Community Input Session on Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.

Melissa Tentois introduced the 'Watch the World' initiative in partnership with the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism. The program includes watch parties at local restaurants like Tony C's and Common Craft, library programs, and a soccer clinic with high school coaches.

The board requested that information regarding the soccer clinic registration be added to the town's residence and economic development web pages.

Staff to update the town website with soccer clinic registration details.

The DPW and engineering consultants presented a plan to replace an aging 28-year-old chiller and a mid-90s generator. To meet modern code and sound attenuation requirements while avoiding noise impacts on neighbors, the proposal involves enlarging the mechanical enclosure and rerouting the walkway. Design choices included using 'Shelby' brick to match the existing building and a cedar fence to avoid utility conflicts with underground pipes.

The board approved the special permit and the minor engineering change, subject to conditions regarding the wood stain selection.

The applicant must submit the selected wood stain for review by the Chair or Robert.

VHB presented a research-based framework for the corridor, dividing it into four zones. The vision aims to improve safety, walkability, and biking while managing the transition from a retail-heavy area to a mixed-use residential district. Concepts included 'arrival' cross-sections, improved signage, and a 'mixed-use path' in northern sections. Feedback covered the need to include approved projects in the vision, increasing transit frequency, pedestrian safety near the I-95 overpass, funding concerns (land takings and maintenance), construction gaps, and whether the plan addresses current traffic congestion and accident rates.

The board received the presentation for feedback and expressed general consensus that the vision is 'beautiful' and 'inviting' but noted significant practical hurdles regarding cost and logistics. The Chair noted that the presentation should have included the status of already approved developments.

Phase two of the project will follow to incorporate feedback and additional data. Staff will work with the engineering division to prioritize areas, obtain cost estimates, and share feedback with the Select Board.

The applicant explained that the 2012 subdivision plan was never intended to be built out, but it remains on the title, complicating a sale for a single-family home. Rescinding the plan will return the property to a single-family lot status in the registry.

The board moved to close the public hearing and voted to rescind the definitive subdivision plan and related agreements.

The applicant described 'Activate Games' as a team-based, interactive experience that is not a traditional arcade and does not serve food. Discussion focused on the use of the name 'Activate Burlington' (requiring an LLC amendment), parking availability, and the need for on-site defibrillators due to the physical nature of the games. Staff suggested conditioning the permit to ensure the name is correct without requiring the applicant to return to the Board.

The board approved the special permit, subject to conditions regarding the company name and other exhibits.

The applicant intends to open by the first of the new year.

The developers addressed several board concerns, including the filing of a $3.1 million Housing Works grant, improvements to ADA parking proximity to elevators, and the implementation of EV charging stations. They also discussed landscaping plans (via Copley Wolf), tree preservation, light dimming for the marsh-facing side, and fire safety regarding wood-frame construction and electrical vehicles.

The public hearing for the site plan, special permit, and residential garage was continued.

The hearing is continued to the Planning Board meeting on June 18, 2026.

The Chair noted that the current substation is undersized and capacity-constrained. Eversource is expected to present an update at the next meeting. The Board discussed the importance of community notification for this presentation.

The Board discussed the importance of community notification for this presentation.

Eversource will present an update at the June 18th meeting.

The Chair called for motions to appoint members to the Land Use, Zoning Bylaw Review, Recreation, Housing Partnership, Economic Development, and Telecom & Wireless committees.

Multiple members were appointed to various committee liaison roles.