Douglas Planning Board Advances Subdivision Rules Overhaul With Highway Department Input

DOUGLAS -- November 12, 2025, Douglas Planning Board moves toward sweeping subdivision rule changes, hears highway recommendations on sidewalks and bonds. At its November 12 meeting, the board reviewed draft amendments to its subdivision rules and regulations that would prohibit incremental performance bond reductions during construction and require periodic bond reassessments, language that Town Counsel Kate Connolly has reviewed and approved, according to Town Planner John Charbonneau. Highway Superintendent Adam Furno, appearing via Zoom, recommended replacing concrete sidewalks with asphalt in residential subdivisions, eliminating grass strips between roads and sidewalks, and moving trees off the town right-of-way onto private property, citing deteriorating salt-damaged concrete on Main Street and tree roots lifting pavement on Hilltop Drive and Jefferson Drive. The board also voted unanimously to approve its 2026 meeting schedule, authorize a $860.54 refund of special-permit fees to Douglas Convenience at 74 Main Street, and accept September 24 meeting minutes as amended; a public hearing to formally adopt the subdivision rule changes is expected in early 2026.