Douglas Planning Board objects to South Meadow Woods 40B over wetlands and road safety

DOUGLAS -- April 8, 2026, Douglas Planning Board formally objects to South Meadow Woods 40B project ahead of May ZBA hearing. The board directed Town Planner John Bombara to finalize and transmit a comment letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals raising objections to the Hausen Development proposal for 30 Southwest Main Street, a Chapter 40B affordable housing project. Concerns flagged in the letter include portions of the cul-de-sac, Unit 13, and the entrance roadway appearing to fall within the buffer of a bordering vegetated wetland; a 7 percent entrance road grade raising handicapped accessibility and school-bus safety questions; water pressure and supply obstacles; and a pavement width that may fall short of the town's 24-foot subdivision standard. The ZBA's next hearing is May 6, at which Water and Sewer Superintendent Sullivan is expected to testify on infrastructure concerns. Separately, Blue Wave Solar reported that a contract with tenant farmer Howard Ballou has been executed for the 45 Oak Street solar site, with remaining construction estimated at one to two weeks and a minor plan modification required for a newly added prefabricated shed.