The transformation of a pair of dilapidated properties in the Greenbush Village Center moved forward as the Zoning Board of Appeals granted a sweeping six-point relief package for a new multi-family development at 18 and 20 Country Way. The project, proposed by James Tren, involves razing three existing buildings to construct a five-unit condominium complex within the sensitive Water Resource Protection District and the First Herring Brook watershed. Gregory Morris of Morris Engineering described the current state of the 26,725-square-foot site as deteriorating, noting that the property consists of two lots with three buildings built in 1918 or older. They are in poor condition, some might say blighted.

The board wrestled with how to apply zoning relief for a project situated within the 150-foot no-disturb buffer of the brook. While Chair Carr suggested a variance might be the appropriate path due to the site’s topography, one board member expressed caution, stating, I don't think we can get to the hardship required for a variance. I'm more comfortable with findings. We need to be consistent with how we handle variances. Board member Bob Marks agreed that a finding regarding the change of a non-conforming use was a cleaner legal route, noting that the proposed use is multi-family residential, which is not substantially different in character from the previous residential and office uses that once occupied the site.

The proposal includes a net reduction in impervious surface from 38.2% to 37% and the installation of a modern stormwater rain garden. Bruce Arbanese, Chair of the Conservation Commission, attended to advocate for further environmental protections, saying, I would like to see if there's an opportunity to reduce the impervious area a bit more, perhaps the front area for snow removal or the dumpster pad could be crushed stone. Morris countered that current town bylaws and DEP requirements classify gravel and stone as impervious and require paved snow storage to ensure meltwater enters the treatment system. To finalize the approval, Motion Made by [Board Member] to allow temporary storage of materials, construct a drainage BMP, modify land within the flood plane, and allow activities within the 150-foot no-disturb buffer and 15% impervious limit passed (5-0), followed by a Motion Made by [Board Member] finding the reconstruction is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing uses passed (5-0).

Neighborhood character was also the primary concern at 430 Hatherly Road, where K&M Construction sought to replace a 1940s-era home with a three-story, FEMA-compliant residence. The project represents an 85% increase in gross floor area, a scale that resident Caroline Clayson argued would harm the local streetscape. One defining characteristic of this stretch is the openness and visibility of the pond, Clayson told the board. This would significantly reduce that openness and alter the visual character. Another neighbor, James Michael Keley, raised concerns about construction site management, asking, What sort of safeguards are there for debris going into the pond? We've seen houses knocked down and nails and junk end up in our driveway.

Chair Carr pushed back on the visual impact concerns, noting that during a site visit he observed that the abutting houses across the street are all bigger than this house. Regarding construction debris, Carr added that Conservation is going to have a lot to say about what happens on the site regarding silt socks and that type of thing. As far as wind-blown debris, you have to be reactive to that. Morris confirmed the new home would be elevated two feet above the flood plane, with the lower level restricted to parking or storage. Motion Made by [Board Member] to grant the special permit and finding for 430 Hatherly Road passed (5-0).

The board also approved two other significant residential expansions. At 35 Allen Place, K&M Construction received approval for a 185.7% increase in floor area to build a new 3,400-square-foot home on a non-conforming lot. Motion Made by [Board Member] to grant the special permit and finding for 35 Allen Place passed (5-0). Similarly, at 29 Beaver Dam Road, Christopher Ely was granted permission for a 170% increase in floor area to modernize a home built in 1900. Morris explained that the proposal is to demolish the existing garage and construct new additions off the front and a new garage off the right side, which will actually improve the left side setback. Motion Made by [Board Member] to grant the special permit and finding for 29 Beaver Dam Road passed (5-0).

Two major applications were withdrawn by the applicants before they could reach a vote. Alfred Cerrone requested to withdraw his application for 267 Chief Justice Cushing Highway without prejudice, a move the board supported to allow for future redesigns without a mandatory two-year waiting period. Motion Made by [Board Member] to allow the withdrawal without prejudice for 267 Chief Justice Cushing Highway passed (5-0). Additionally, the proposal by BCG to convert the former post office at 76 Glades Road into a four-unit residence—a project that had previously faced scrutiny regarding density and parking—was also withdrawn. Motion Made by [Board Member] to allow the withdrawal without prejudice for 76 Glades Road passed (5-0). A final hearing regarding the Scituate Marina at 21 Central Street was continued to June 18, 2026, at the applicant's request. Motion Made by [Board Member] to continue the hearing to June 18 passed (5-0).