The Scituate Planning Board opened its September 11 meeting with a deep dive into the town’s updated Housing Production Plan (HPP), presented by Steve Irish of the Affordable Housing Trust and consultant Karen Sunberg. Sunberg noted that while Scituate has improved its subsidized housing inventory to 6.1%, it still trails the state-mandated 10% goal. The plan highlighted a widening income gap between homeowners and renters, alongside a projected surge in the senior population. It is disturbing to see that we have a very long waitlist for affordable housing, Member Ann Burbine remarked, citing hundreds of applicants for local senior housing projects. Steve Irish added that the trust has spent nearly a year coordinating with the town planner to finalize the document, which identifies rentals and senior support as top priorities. Motion Made by Ann Burbine to approve the town of Scituate housing production plan draft dated July 2025 prepared by Karen Sunberg consultant with technical support from Karen Joseph Town Planner and to forward it to select board for their approval prior to submission to the state for their approval with a cover letter to note that a primary objective in the housing plan needs to be needs to address infrastructure. Vote Passed 5-0

A contentious hearing followed regarding a proposed 10-unit townhouse development at the South River Marina on Central Avenue. Chair Patricia Lambert immediately criticized the applicants for multiple late document submissions, stating, We will not tolerate this in the future. This is... when the deadline is the deadline. Things come in after, it’s not going to be reviewed. Attorney Adam Brodsky, representing South River Marina Realty LLC, argued that the project actually fixes non-compliant structures in a flood zone and suggested the town’s own bylaw has a mechanical problem regarding permit sequencing. I don't see the point in getting into the details of the comments if the chapter 91 permits haven't been obtained, noted Member Maura Burke, echoing the board's hesitation to review a project that might require a total redesign based on state environmental feedback. Engineer Tom Zerki countered that the team had addressed concerns from the state and was working toward a determination of non-significance regarding coastal dunes. However, Member Stephen Pritchard insisted on caution, saying, We should wait until we have all of that worked out because we don't want to have to do this and then come back and do it again. Motion Made by Ann Burbine to accept the applicant's request to continue the public hearing a special permit South River Marina development in Humarock Village Residential Overlay District 21 Central Avenue and 7 Marshfield Avenue for applicants South River Marina Realty LLC and Union Street Realty LLC until November 20th at 6:30 p.m. and continue the time for action January 30th, 2026. Vote Passed 5-0

The board also addressed a request for outdoor sidewalk seating at Casa Rior on Front Street, which had been previously restricted by the original permit. Applicant Dallas Tondorf presented a plan for three smaller tables, arguing it would offer a nice community offering for residents who wish to dine outside. Vice Chair Rebecca Lewis questioned if the board was more comfortable with three tables instead of two, attempting to find a middle ground. However, Town Planner Karen Joseph reported that the building commissioner found the arrangement unworkable for ADA access, and Member Maura Burke observed that the existing trees on the sidewalk already significantly limited walking space. Following the board’s denial, the meeting moved to an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for Grove Street presented by Gregory Morse, who explained the proposal was to cut out one residential lot from an eight-acre parcel. Motion Made by Rebecca Lewis to endorse the plan of land in Scituate Mass entitled Grove Street Parcels 30-1-23 Scituate Mass for applicant Eric D. Tomaso and owner Sutton Trust dated August 22nd, 2025 as the division of land shown on the accompanying plan is not a subdivision because every lot shown on the plan has frontage of at least the distance presently required in Scituate or is labeled a parcel which is not a lot. Planning board endorsement of this plan is not a determination of conformance with zoning regulations. A note should be added to the plan that parcel A is not buildable as currently shown on the plan. Vote Passed 5-0 Finally, the board formalized its denial of the sidewalk seating request. Motion Made by Patricia Lambert to deny outdoor seating at Casa Rior. Vote Passed 4-1