The Scituate Planning Board scrutinized a proposal to transform the former gas station site at 18-20 Country Way into a five-unit multifamily building during its Thursday meeting. Gregory Morris of McKenzie Engineering Group presented the plan for applicant Jim Tren, describing the site as a prime candidate for redevelopment despite its location within the town's critical Zone A water protection district. Morris argued that the project would be a significant environmental improvement, stating, as a redevelopment, you have to show that there is an improvement over existing drainage conditions. However, Chair Patricia Lambert raised immediate concerns regarding the site's history of contamination, noting, My main concern is the gas station, and specifically the status of the ongoing 21E environmental monitoring. Jim Tren addressed the environmental history, explaining that he previously performed bio-remediation on the site and stating, we have until November of 2026 to have a final solution for the Department of Environmental Protection.

Board members expressed skepticism regarding the project's impact on public resources and safety. Ann Burbine highlighted the lack of pedestrian infrastructure in the busy corridor, remarking, health and safety is one of our first concerns here. Maura Burke requested more visual context to ensure the scale was appropriate for the area, suggesting, I think that more pictures are needed of the surrounding neighborhood to see if this building fits in. Stephen Pritchard questioned the long-term environmental outcomes, asking, is the final solution some kind of permanent remediation? Given the complexity of the 46-page staff report and the need for a finalized 21E report, the board moved to continue the hearing. Motion Made by Ann Burbine to accept the applicant's request to continue with the public hearing for major site plan administrative review and storm water permit for multi family building in the village center and neighborhood district gateway district village center subdistrict GGC 18 to 20 Country Way until November 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM with the time for action for final with the town clerk until January 30th, 2026. Vote Passed 5-0

The board also revisited the request for outdoor seating at Cassie Birdie, located at 108-110 Front Street. Owner Patty Tondorf, who joined the meeting via Zoom after a five-hour car ride, requested 12 seats to create a vibrant harbor atmosphere. While the board appreciated the aesthetic, they remained concerned about sidewalk clearance. Rebecca Lewis suggested a layout change to accommodate pedestrians, asking, can we do three four-seat tables instead of two six-foot six-seat tables? because then it would give you clearance on the sidewalk. Tondorf replied that the current design was intended to be more aesthetically pleasing and it gives more room for people to kind of naturally organically walk through. Ann Burbine expressed broader reservations about harbor seating, stating, I do not think that the harbor lends itself to outside seating and that's my personal opinion, though she acknowledged the public's affinity for it. Tondorf agreed to rework the plan for the September 11th meeting.

Further modifications were addressed for the cottage court development at 18 Ford Place, where project manager Dan requested the addition of two patios. The board insisted on shrinking the proposed sizes to preserve green space. Maura Burke observed the tight quarters of the development, noting, it struck me that on the third floor, that's the three bedroom... the one bedroom is nine feet or something, teeny tiny. After some negotiation on dimensions, the board approved the smaller patios. Motion Made by Stephen Pritchard to approve minor modification for patios with building 3, 8 by 12, building 4, 10 by 14 with permeable pavers and details suitable to town planner for permeable pavement. Vote Passed 4-1. The board also reviewed an ANR plan for Allen's Place involving Thomas McCarthy and owners Raymond and Karen Bailey. Motion Made by Ann Burbine to endorse as approval not required a plan of land in Scituate map entitled approval not required plan a subject house 50-4-1 17 Standish by Richard J. L. S. of McKenzie Engineering Group dated June 3, 2025. Vote Passed 5-0

The meeting concluded with an update on the Hatherley School project, which required a drainage modification after contractors discovered a higher water table than initially anticipated. Motion Made by Ann Burbine to endorse the plans for the site plan administrative review and storm water permit for Hatherley School at 72 Road addition and find that the modification to subsurface detention system one located in the main access driveway is minor in nature as the peak flows and volumes are similar to the previously approved design. Vote Passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM