A multi-family development proposed for 18-20 Country Way faces a months-long delay as the Scituate Planning Board grapples with unresolved environmental contamination and prohibited drainage plans. During the March 12 meeting, board members and peer reviewers raised significant alarms regarding the former gas station site, which sits within a sensitive Zone A resource protection area. Peer reviewer Janet Bernardo of the Horsley Witten Group informed the board that the site is not currently classified as "clean" according to state records. We recommend they provide an update on groundwater contamination, especially since it had been a gas station, Bernardo said, adding that the applicant’s current stormwater plan includes a 10-year discharge that is strictly prohibited by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Property owner Jim Trent confirmed that a new licensed site professional has been hired to prepare a "Tier 2 extension" to address the environmental status of the land, though he noted the process is in its early stages. Beyond the soil and water concerns, Chair Patricia Lambert highlighted a lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure in the current design. While the applicant proposed a new crosswalk, Department of Public Works reports indicated there is no actual walkway leading to it. You don't have a safe pedestrian access from the site to a crosswalk; that is required in zoning bylaws, Lambert said. Member Ann Burbine agreed that the site requires a closer look with the town engineer, describing the location as a pretty dangerous stretch of road. Motion Made by P. Lambert to continue the public hearing for major site plan review and a stormwater permit for 18-20 Country Way until June 25, 2026. Motion Passed 4-0.

The board is also considering a financial hit for residents seeking to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Chair Lambert proposed raising application fees for ADU submissions from $1,250 to at least $1,500 to account for the heavy administrative burden. You can't believe the amount of time spent on this stuff, Lambert said. It's very granular and takes a tremendous amount of time. The board did not take a formal vote on the fee hike but signaled the change is likely forthcoming to recoup the costs of the lengthy review process.

Policy tensions rose during a discussion on upcoming Town Meeting articles, specifically regarding Section 620 and residential density. Despite opposition from the Advisory Committee, the Planning Board decided to stand firm on its proposal to limit the scale of new construction in crowded neighborhoods. Lambert noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals has allowed some reconstructions to increase building footprints by 178 percent, while Burbine noted some of them go 300 percent. We have a Planning Board for the entire town, not just for an applicant, Lambert said, insisting the board must protect the character of the community. To ensure the passage of a separate Stormwater Bylaw, however, the board agreed to remove a contentious "Section C" at the request of the Select Board. I want to go on record saying I disagree, but I will go for it, Burbine said regarding the compromise.

In other business, the board authorized a four-lot division of land on Neilgate Street. Gregory Morris, representing Faceoff Holdings LLC, noted the property is in the R1 district and meets all frontage requirements. Motion Made by P. Lambert to endorse the approval not required plan for 48 Neilgate Street. Motion Passed 4-0. The session concluded with an informal discussion regarding a proposed $1.6 million shade structure at Pier 44. Lambert expressed skepticism about the project’s cost and its location in a residential area, suggesting the money might be better spent elsewhere. Member Maura Burke assisted in coordinating upcoming sessions, noting I can make it for the scheduled Design Review Committee meeting on March 26.