Planning Board Meeting - December 8, 2025

Dec 9, 2025 YouTube

The Dartmouth Planning Board held a virtual meeting on December 8, 2025, chaired by Nick Psychopatis. The main agenda item was a public hearing for a scenic roadway request (PSR-25-3) from the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) for property at 293 Flag Swamp Road. Nick Wildman, Executive Director of DNRT, presented a plan to remove a line of trees to improve sight distance and safety for a new public parking area. Following recommendations from Tree Warden Timothy Barber, DNRT amended their proposal to remove only smaller diameter trees, preserving nine larger, established trees. A resident, Stephen Souza of 254 Flag Swamp Road, raised concerns about the location's address in the public notice and the safety of the proposed driveway on a dangerous curve. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the plan with the condition that the tree removal be overseen by the Tree Warden. The board then handled administrative items. They unanimously approved an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan (PNR-25-8) for a 3.9-acre land swap between two commonly owned parcels on High Hill Road. The board also unanimously voted to adopt updated Special Permit Rules and Regulations, effective December 8, 2025. A discussion on the Dartmouth Futures zoning initiative was postponed to a special in-person meeting scheduled for December 15th, where draft goals from the housing production plan would be available. Other business included an update on the resignation of the person transcribing minutes and the town's process for finding a replacement, with a discussion on potentially using AI transcription services in the future. The board acknowledged and filed correspondence, including a letter regarding a property on Northville Road which is being handled by the zoning enforcement officer. The meeting concluded with the chairperson's report, which encouraged board members to engage with the public to foster interest in future board service, and a unanimous vote to adjourn.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.