Governance and Westwood Station

This morning, David F suggested,

I think we should start opening discussions on a 5 man BOS instead of 3...It is time for certain fundamental changes to happen in town...My first idea is what do other residents think of a 5 man BOS instead of 3. Is this project just to big for a 3 man BOS to handle? 

I'd like to hear what people think too. My feeling is that the problem is regional, that we need an administrative body--not just an advisory committee or something, but some kind of official government entity with the power to negotiate directly with the developer and perhaps streamline zoning and planning decisions. The Westwood Station project is in a "mixed use overlay district" (MUOD) which is a device used in planning and zoning to provide more flexible uses than standard Euclidean zoning, but I think we need a regional impact area overlay, with a board of commissioners comprised of representatives from Dedham, Westwood, Canton, and Norwood, at least. The closest analogy I can think of in politics was the Base Closing Commission that Congress used to decide which military bases to close. Furthermore, the work of such a commission is not done once the project starts, but continues to function as issues arise over time.

I don't know if more selectmen in Westwood helps. The people who are causing us "grief" are not in Westwood. The most affected people in Westwood are outvoted. Wouldn't 5 selectmen just be more of the same?