The Scituate Zoning Board of Appeals tackled a packed agenda during its September 18 meeting, highlighted by a marathon deliberation over the 3A Service Station at 781 Chief Justice Cushing Highway. The board reviewed an appeal of a zoning violation regarding firewood processing and commercial vehicle parking at the residential-zoned site. While Board Member Chris expressed reservations about the industrial nature of the wood processing, stating, I can't personally make firewood processing fit on that property, other members noted the historical uses of the land. Board Member Bob pointed out that a store existed on the property as far back as 1934, suggesting, this isn't something new and it's not just the gas station on the property. Attorney Adam Brodsky, representing the station, argued that the proposed use was not substantially more detrimental than the grandfathered service station. Ultimately, the board voted to allow firewood sales and processing with strictly limited hours and screening requirements. Motion Made by Chris to allow firewood processing at the property with the conditions that the hours of operation for firewood processing shall be limited to Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and storage piles be limited to 8 feet in height. Vote Passed 2-1. A second motion regarding vehicle parking also passed with a split vote, requiring all parked vehicles to be registered and associated with a business operation. Motion Made by Chris to allow parking of registered vehicles on the property with specific conditions including no entry or exit between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Vote Passed 2-1.

The board also heard a complex proposal for the redevelopment of the South River Marina at 21 Central Avenue and 7 Marshfield Avenue. The project, which seeks to combine parcels to maintain a marina while adding 10 residential townhouses, hit a snag regarding the delineation of the town's 1972 flood plane map. Attorney Adam Brodsky noted that the filing was intended to resolve a potential dispute and avoid conflict, stressing that the project represents a dramatic improvement in environmental protection. However, Board Member Chris raised concerns about the lack of unified feedback from other town departments, noting, I don't feel that we have enough information as a whole. Board Member Justin offered a more optimistic view to the applicant, stating, To answer your question that is this a non-starter... No, you're not. The board ultimately decided to continue the hearing to December to allow for more coordination with the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. Motion Made by Chris to continue the application to December 18. Vote Passed 3-0.

In other business, a request for relief to rebuild a home at 208 Stockbridge Road that burned down in 1986 met significant resistance. Applicant Andrew Soderberg explained, I am asking for relief to rebuild the structure at 208 Stockbridge that burned down prior to the 4-year lookback period. Neighbors and town officials cited the property’s location in a restrictive Water Resource Protection District. Bruce Arvin, chair of the Water Resource Committee, warned that any earth movement is generally prohibited in a Zone A situation, while neighbor Susan Montter added, I was just told that you can't build on that property because it's wetlands. Recognizing the steep climb for approval, Soderberg opted to withdraw the application. Motion Made by Chris to allow applicant to withdraw application. Vote Passed 3-0. The board concluded the evening by approving several residential rebuilds in the Humarock area, including 35 Brunswick Street and 37 Ocean Drive. For the latter, engineer Jed Hannon stated, the proposed house is very much in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Motion Made by Bob to find that the raise and rebuild at 37 Ocean Drive does not create any new nonconformities. Vote Passed 3-0.