A proposed expansion at 267 CJC Highway hit a roadblock this week as the Scituate Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) raised concerns regarding the property’s location within a protected water zone. The applicant, Alfred Cerrone, represented by engineer Gregory Morse, is seeking a special permit for a 105 percent increase in the home’s square footage. The plan involves a 14-foot addition extending toward the rear, which would intensify an existing front yard non-conformity by bringing the structure within 36 feet of the highway.

The discussion took a sharp turn when Bruce Arbonies, Chair of the Water Resources Commission, flagged potential environmental impacts. Arbonies noted that this property is substantially in Zone A of the water resource protection district and has impervious limitations. He questioned the current and proposed coverage of the lot, a critical issue as Scituate continues to tighten its Water Resource Protection District (WRPD) regulations to safeguard the town’s drinking water. Morse countered that the plan actually results in a 1.4 percent net decrease in impervious area by removing portions of the existing driveway, but eventually requested more time to address the commission's concerns.

Motion Made by Board Member [06] to continue the application for 267 CJC Highway to May 21, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0-0.

Earlier in the evening, the board reviewed a dramatic reconstruction proposal for 28 Maple Avenue. Owners Carrie and Jonathan Gothney intend to raze their 931-square-foot home on a corner lot and replace it with a 2,145-square-foot dwelling—a 130.4 percent increase in size. Morse, also representing the Gothneys, noted that while the lot remains undersized, the new home actually improves compliance. The new home proposes a 14.8-foot setback to Maple Ave, Morse explained. While still non-compliant, it is in greater compliance than what is there today.

ZBA member B. Marks observed that the project featured no new non-conformities and appeared to fit the character of the neighborhood. Motion Made by Board Member [06] to approve the special permit for 28 Maple Avenue. Motion Passed 3-0-0.

Coastal construction also took center stage with an application for 83 Rebecca Road. Paul O'Connell, representing Larry and Colleen Wasaki, presented plans to rebuild a single-family home on a non-conforming 8,000-square-foot lot. To address flood plain concerns, the new structure will be elevated on pylons. O'Connell emphasized the project's sensitivity to the surrounding landscape, stating, We want to leave the other side of the lot as open as possible to try to preserve neighbors' views.

Chair C. Kerr noted that the project had already been reviewed by the conservation and seawall departments. Obviously you're making the rounds for conservation, Kerr said. We have no problems here. Motion Made by Board Member [06] to approve the special permit for 83 Rebecca Road. Motion Passed 3-0-0.

O'Connell also secured approval for 61 Brook Street, where homeowners Dana and Dennis Bash proposed a one-story addition and a second-story dormer. The project increases the home's area by 42.8 percent. O'Connell clarified that an existing detached garage located less than a foot from the property line would remain as a non-conforming structure, but all new work would meet required setbacks. Everything we are planning to build will be in the rear of the lot within the buildable area, O'Connell assured the board. B. Marks added that the construction is in Zone X, not subject to flooding, so that's a plus.

Motion Made by Board Member [06] to approve the special permit for 61 Brook Street. Motion Passed 3-0-0.

The board also addressed several administrative matters, including the approval of past meeting minutes. During that discussion, Board Member [05] noted, I didn't get a moment to read those back then, but they sounded good to me. Several other applications, including Stockbridge 2 Realty Trust, 29 Beaver Dam Road, and the Scituate Marina project, were continued to future meetings in May and June.