The Scituate Planning Board moved forward with a significant residential development on Country Way during its November 13 meeting, approving a ten-unit multi-family project while pausing to honor the legacy of a longtime colleague. The board spent the majority of the evening focused on the application for 799 and 801 Country Way, a project consisting of two five-unit buildings. Despite the eventual approval, some board members remained skeptical about the scale of the development in the Greenbush Village Center District.

The session began with a moment of reflection as the board remembered former chairman Bill Locker, affectionately known as "Wild Bill," who passed away recently after serving 25 years on the board. Chair Patricia Lambert praised his deep knowledge and impactful presence. "He really knew everything about everything," Lambert said. "As a man of few words, when he spoke, boom. Right to the point. He will be truly missed."

Turning to the evening’s primary public hearing, the board reviewed the final plans for the project at 799 and 801 Country Way. The development includes 10 two-bedroom units, one of which will be designated as affordable housing. The board granted six specific waivers to the applicant, including allowances for parking location, building width, and a minor increase in front-yard impervious coverage. Vice Chair Rebecca Lewis meticulously read through 34 findings of fact and 106 conditions of approval to ensure the project met the town’s Village Center and Neighborhood District standards.

Ann Burbine expressed lingering reservations about the project's density, even as she prepared to vote for its approval. "I know on the record that I still think this project is too big," Burbine stated. "I still think it's a little too big, but be that as it may, we'll see what happens." Motion made by Rebecca Lewis to make the following findings of fact for the major site plan and stormwater permit at 799 and 801 Country Way. Motion Passed (5-0). Following the findings, the board moved to formally approve the project. Motion made by Rebecca Lewis to approve the stormwater permit and site plan review for 799 and 801 Country Way with 106 conditions. Motion Passed (5-0).

During the discussion on the project's security bond, Stephen Pritchard engaged in a detailed exchange with the applicant regarding what costs the bond should cover. Pritchard insisted that the town must be protected if the project were to fail, particularly regarding drainage and public-way improvements. "I wouldn't change this unless town council said we don't have any authority to do it," Pritchard said regarding the bond's scope. "I think the site drainage would have to be [covered]... this is such a big site." Maura Burke joined the consensus on the technical requirements as the board finalized the language for the 106 conditions, including a requirement for a new sidewalk that will connect to neighboring properties.

In other business, the board addressed a request for 18-20 Country Way. Motion made by Ann Burbine to accept the applicant's request to continue the public hearing for major site plan administrative review and stormwater permit for 18-20 Country Way until December 18, 2025. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, the board approved a minor change to a previously sanctioned project next door. Motion made by Ann Burbine to accept the request for a minor drainage modification at 803 Country Way. Motion Passed (5-0).

The meeting also featured a liaison report from Burbine regarding the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). She informed the board that a proposal for a fitness court at the Gates School is currently on hold following her objections regarding the use of public funds for what she characterized as a private enterprise. "I don't know how they could possibly ask us for public money for private enterprise," Burbine told the board, noting that the committee is also awaiting a clearer determination on whether the "cranberry block" property is considered wetlands before proceeding with a potential $900,000 acquisition.