The Scituate Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) tackled a dense agenda on Thursday night, headlined by a significant environmental restoration project on Jericho Road and a contentious zoning violation appeal involving a long-standing local service station. Attorney Jeff Delissi presented a plan on behalf of Jeffrey and Cynthia Shecter to construct an addition at 143 Jericho Road while simultaneously razing a dilapidated "eyesore" at 10 Meadow Road to return the land to its natural salt marsh state. This project introduces something a little different, Delissi told the board, as it allows us in one felt swoop to do an addition onto this home and the return of that property to the natural state. While the board expressed support for the removal of the structure, local advocates from the Scituate Salt Marsh Stewardship Initiative urged for permanent conservation protections. Joanne White, co-founder of the initiative, noted the neighborhood's reliance on the marsh for flood control, stating, we do not see anything that actually commits the applicant to keep the property at some kind of unique conservation value. Neighbor Joe praised the Shecters for their investment, commenting that the current structure is not only an eyesore but it is a danger to kids.

Motion Made by Fleming to allow the construction of an addition to the dwelling at 143 Jericho Road and to raise the building at 10 Meadow Road; the special permit pursuant to zoning bylaw section 470.6F regarding substantial improvement in the flood plain, and a finding pursuant to section 810.2C that the proposed modification is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood. Vote Passed 5-0

Earlier in the evening, the board heard an appeal from 3A Service Station regarding a notice of violation for allegedly operating industrial uses, including a wood lot and a landscaping business, in a residential zone. Attorney Adam Brodsky, representing the station, argued that many of these uses date back decades, claiming the storage of vehicles is a continuation of pre-existing use that should be allowed to continue and doesn't constitute a violation. Property owner Edward Scarselone shared historical context of the site’s wood lot, telling the board, we cut firewood to the poor people on that property in the 30s, 40s and 50s because we burnt wood in the gas station to keep it warm. However, board members voiced concerns about the intensity of current operations. Mr. Fleming questioned the limits of grandfathered uses, asking, where does it stop? Do you get 53-foot trailers in there next week? Board member Justin suggested the need for spatial limits, wondering if there is a way to ensure the use is condensed and doesn't become vehicles scattered throughout the property.

Motion Made by Fleming to continue the hearing for 781 Chief Justice Cushing Highway to September 18th to allow the applicant to submit a formal site plan with proposed usage conditions. Vote Passed 5-0

The board also officially closed out the Stockbridge Landing 40B development, a project that has spanned over 15 years and includes 68 housing units. Chair George clarified the procedural nature of the vote, noting that as-built approval shall not be considered complete until the board files the vote with the registry of deeds. He reminded the room of the station appeal ground rules earlier in the night, stating, we will not be discussing anything outside of this topic, including proposed or theoretical uses such as coffee shops, to maintain focus on the legal violations at hand.

Motion Made by Fleming to vote to approve the as-built site drawings for the Stockbridge Landing 40B development per condition 45 of the comprehensive permit. Vote Passed 5-0