Douglas Planning Board Continues Subdivision Rules Hearing, Targeting February 11 Close

DOUGLAS — January 28, 2026 — Douglas Planning Board advances subdivision rules overhaul and sets February 11 target for closing a year-long public hearing. At its January 28 meeting, the board voted unanimously to continue the hearing to February 11 after Community Development Director John Charbonneau walked members page by page through a redlined draft covering road widths, curbing materials, stormwater management, mail kiosk lighting, and performance bond release procedures. Key revisions include setting the minimum paved roadway width at 24 feet, requiring solar LED lighting at mail kiosks without specifying wattage, and adding a new provision allowing partial bond releases on phased subdivisions "upon the completion of a phase and inspection and review of the bond" — a departure from a strict no-release-until-town-acceptance rule. Board member Rich Preston reported that the $145,000 master plan budget with CMRPC has just $12,862 remaining, but the consultant has affirmed that is enough to deliver a completed plan by June. The board also endorsed an approval-not-required lot plan at 28, 36, and 42 Birch Street and unanimously granted a three-year earth removal special permit extension to Pine, Sand and Stone at 1 Lackey Dam Road through March 11, 2029.