The Scituate Planning Board convened on September 25, 2025, to finalize the review of a five-unit residential project at 803 Country Way and address critical federal mandates regarding town-wide stormwater management. Patricia Lambert opened the meeting by addressing the complex coordination required for 803 Country Way and its neighboring parcels, noting that certain things the town has changed some policies in the past few years and not all developers are caught up on things yet. Project engineer Kevin Brady presented the final reconfigurations for the site’s drainage and sidewalk connections, assuring the board that I think it's designed conservatively and meets the stormwater regulations.

The board engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the project’s ability to function independently of the future developments at 799 and 801 Country Way. Stephen Pritchard emphasized the importance of secure access and drainage, stating, I just want to make sure 803 if we're only approving 803 tonight stands on its own. Vice Chair Rebecca Lewis questioned the landscaping requirements for the parking area, asking, so on 23 the question is whether it is applicable or not right? regarding the 10 percent interior green space mandate. Maura Burke reviewed the extensive findings of fact for the project, confirming that the property at 803 Country Way does not require a pedestrian frontage overlay zone and that the project proposed by the applicants consists of five residential units in one multi-family building.

Motion Made by Maura Burke to make the following findings of fact: On December 18th, 2024, the applicant, Donna McIll, and owner Gill and Gill LLC filed an application for major site plan review for a multi-family building project in the village center and neighborhood district. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Maura Burke to approve the major site plan review and storm water permit for 803 Country Way as conditioned. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Patricia Lambert to continue the public hearing for a major site plan administrative review and storm water permit for 801 and 799 Country Way until October 23rd, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Vote Passed 5-0

Following the project approval, the board shifted to a workshop on the MS4 federal stormwater permit with consultants Michelle Waxman and Nick Cohen. Waxman highlighted the urgency of the situation, explaining that EPA is requiring Scituate to update the regulatory language by the end of this calendar year to address phosphorus and suspended solids removal. The proposed changes sparked debate among local engineers and developers regarding the $10,000 cost burden on single-family homeowners. Ann Burbine voiced the collective fatigue of the board regarding recent state and federal mandates, remarking, this is the third huge thing that we had thrown at us in two years. The board agreed to accept written comments from the development community before finalizing the regulations in October.

Motion Made by Patricia Lambert to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 PM