The Planning Board began a transition of leadership this week as Chairman Steven Bolotin honored retiring Planning Director Lee Hartman for three decades of service. Bolotin lauded Hartman’s tenure, stating, Plymouth has been fortunate to have the benefit of his knowledge of the town, his experience and enthusiasm for planning, and his willingness to work with anyone in the interests of our community. Hartman, who also served as interim town manager, reflected on his career by noting, I'm probably the most fortunate planner in the United States to be able to have worked in this town for as long as I have. Adding to the local accolades, Timothy Grandy remarked, Anytime I asked him any questions or needed any help, he was always there. The board also announced a $67,500 grant to develop zoning guidelines for smaller housing styles, such as tiny homes and cottages.

The meeting transitioned into a detailed progress report on The Pine Hills, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Deb Sedaris provided an update on the community's infrastructure, highlighting that nearly 79% of the land remains open space. Our iconic red barn is still our iconic red barn... really signals our community to folks, Sedaris said, while detailing upcoming traffic signal improvements for Clark Road. Regarding the Sleepy Hollow Drive public hearing, attorney Rob D’Ambrosio requested a withdrawal without prejudice to refine the proposal. Motion Made by Francis Mand to allow the application to be withdrawn without prejudice. Motion Passed 4-0 (Tim Bennett recused). D’Ambrosio noted, It’s just been it’s taken a couple more twists and turns even since the last time as we kind of peel back the onion.

Contention arose during the selection of three residents for the Earth Removal Bylaw Committee. Francis Mand raised a point of order regarding the application process, arguing that the board should only consider the three candidates who applied directly to them rather than the full pool. It appears a decision was made outside of a posted public meeting without any public communication to expand eligibility, Mand cautioned. Motion Made by Steven Bolotin to consider all five applicants who are present who have submitted prior applications and who were referred to this board as either having submitted directly to us or not having been chosen by others. Motion Passed 4-1. During interviews, hydrogeologist Alan Heberger told the board, The successful bylaw will ensure the town gets a fair shake with any project that goes on. Architect David Pek emphasized enforcement, stating, I’m hoping also this process will take a good hard look at enforcement so that the applicants do deliver what they’ve promised.

The final debate centered on a potential lot division at 150 Bump Rock Road. Attorney Rob D’Ambrosio sought a kick the tires informal feedback session on overriding a 1986 covenant that restricted development. Property owner Ellis Wington argued for fairness, noting that a neighbor had already been allowed a similar density increase: I’m looking for three lots and the one you approved was about 25 acres and it’s got six lots. However, Steven Bolotin expressed significant hesitation about overriding legal restrictions, stating he would look with great scrutiny at such requests. Tim Bennett sought clarity on the original restrictions, asking, What was covered under the original covenant? while Christopher Smith added, It would be very helpful to me to see this map and perhaps what's the current situation and what was the original situation. The board moved to seek legal guidance from town counsel before proceeding with any formal filings.