The December 16 meeting opened with action items before proceeding to scheduled public hearings.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the FY2026 budget, and also a $2,400 to Field Engineering from the 78 Wareham Road Consulting Account.
Minutes of the December 2, 2024 Planning Board Meeting and the October 7, 2024 Joint Meeting with the Select Board were approved unanimously with no discussion.
There was a brief discussion on a project that is undergoing consideration at the Zoning Board of Appeals. Comments submitted to the ZBA on 17 Kabeyun Road had been circulated to Planning Board members, presumably to elicit their support for the project. The Board voted to provide no formal comment to the ZBA.
There were two Continued Public Hearings on the agenda.
Special Permit & Site Plan Review with FSJ Marion Realty, LLC, regarding 207-215 Wareham Street, Map 11, Lots 90,91,91A, 91B, zoned Residence E: the hearing was continued without discussion to January 6, 2025 at 7:05 pm.
Special Permit & Major Site Plan Review, 78 Wareham Road, LLC Matthew Zukor. 78 Wareham Road, Map 7, Lots 24, 25, 27, 28C & 29, zoned Residence E.
Mr. Zukor reported that he had met with Town Administrator G. Gorman to discuss infrastructure issues, ensuring water, sewer, water storage, river flow, and related matters are clarified and acceptable to both town and developer. He noted that he had been waiting for a report from the town, when coincidentally it was released just before the meeting, and he would review it as soon as possible. He also noted that the Environmental Assessment recently completed was very well done.
Zukor stated he will shortly develop a construction management plan that will include details on moving of any trees.
The Board raised one question, on concerns about the added volume of traffic – estimated at 350 more cars once people are residing there. Zukor explained that while he has informed DOT and can update them periodically, they have their own procedures and policies when it comes to dealing with traffic flow, curb cuts, speed limits etc. He will continue to keep DOT apprised of the project.
Board Chair Daniel noted that the project is “approaching the finish line” and the Board is encouraged by the cooperation of both Zukor and K. Steen, developer of the neighboring Heron Cove project. The hearing was then continued to January 6, 2025 at 7:10 pm.
The next meeting of the Planning Board will be January 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Police Department.
Marion Planning Board
By Mary McCann Fiske