The Charlestown Town Council held a Planning Commission Regular Meeting on October 23, 2024, focusing on ongoing developments and community concerns regarding the Compass Hardware project. The meeting began with discussions about parking issues related to the project, particularly the safety of vehicles exiting the parking area.

A council member raised concerns about the visibility and safety of drivers leaving the parking lot, especially as traffic increases. It was suggested that the Charlestown Police might need to address these safety concerns in collaboration with Compass Hardware.

Public comments were then invited, with Patricia Sadeh questioning the adequacy of parking spaces planned for the project. She expressed concerns that if only the initial phases of the development were completed, there might not be enough parking to accommodate the businesses. The response indicated that the parking plans had been reviewed by the zoning department, and while the number of spaces was designed to meet zoning requirements, the actual usage would determine if adjustments were necessary.

Further discussions highlighted the phased nature of the project, with emphasis on the need for adequate circulation for emergency vehicles and the potential for excess parking if later phases were not developed. The council acknowledged that while the parking area is necessary for circulation, it could lead to concerns about overdevelopment if not all phases are completed.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that while parking is a critical issue, the overall development plan aims to balance community needs with safety and environmental considerations. The council plans to continue monitoring the situation and address any emerging concerns as the project progresses.