MARION — With two new members elected in May, developers decided to give the Marion Planning Board a refresher of the history of their 28-unit project, currently up for approval by the board.

Sherman E. Briggs and Hamblin Homes plans to develop a 28-unit townhouse project, on a parcel of land bordered by Mill Street, Spring Street, and Route 6. The lot would contain the 28 townhouses, a gazebo and a small gardening area. The development would also have a community association.

“Originally we had some affordable housing tucked into the corner,” Project Engineer Steve Pool said. But, he added, those units “didn’t really work out with the site.”

In lieu of the affordable units, the developers plan to give $150,000 to the town, which would aid in the construction of affordable housing elsewhere.

Board member Alanna Nelson, elected in May, wondered whether the developers had thought of building using sustainable or renewable energy sources, like solar panels.

“We have discussed solar panels and so forth,” Sherman Briggs said. “But it all comes back to affordability too, and what the people want when they buy these things.”

The developers noted that the townhouses are aimed to serve those who may wish to downsize in retirement, but remain in Marion. It’s a far cry from the original plan developed by Briggs about 10 years ago, a mixed-use residential and commercial space. But Briggs said the long planning process has led to a few benefits.

“A lot of things have changed to help the soundproofing which is a big thing,” he said.

The board thanked Briggs and Pool for refreshing them on the history of the project. The project will appear before the board again on Sept. 20, when the developers expect to be able to substantially move the process forward.