Select Board adds school-committee representative to Stephen Palmer review panel

The Select Board discussed changes to the charge and composition of the Stephen Palmer Development Review Committee and voted to add one school committee representative to the panel to reflect school-committee jurisdiction over the parcel.

Town officials said the school committee previously declined participation but has since reconsidered; Select Board members said adding a school representative will help the committee consider jurisdictional issues while developing reuse recommendations. The board's motion to adopt the revised composition passed with members voicing 'Aye.'

Board members and staff acknowledged that because the school committee retains jurisdiction over parts of the property, the Stephen Palmer committee will need to reconcile recommendations with the school committee's authority as it refines reuse options, including potential zoning changes that might be required when a recommendation is presented to the Select Board and town meeting.

Next steps: the updated committee will continue its public meetings and work with school representatives to produce recommendations for the Select Board.