The Plymouth Conservation Commission held a high-stakes discussion Tuesday night regarding two major residential projects proposed by PY Homes of New England. Essex Petri, representing the developer, presented plans for Ocean View North and the Sandry Drive project, which together would introduce 100 garden-style units. Petri noted that procedural delays in opening the notice of intent really only handicaps the ZBA as they're not able to get the valuable input from this commission during their deliberation process. Chair Sean Andersen clarified that while the Zoning Board of Appeals holds authority over local regulations due to the 40B status, we will be voting eventually based off the state wetlands protection act which is less restrictive than our current ones.

Ecological consultant Mark Manganella argued the projects would offer a net environmental benefit, particularly at the Sandry Drive location, which currently houses a vacant industrial complex. Manganella explained that the project has to result in an overall improvement to the riverfront area, highlighting a significant reduction in impervious surfaces. Project engineer Peter Ellison addressed concerns regarding a proposed sewer pump station near the buffer zone, stating, we feel pretty confident that this location is safe and works because it is a watertight system with layered alarms. However, Member Paul Churchill remained skeptical about the aesthetic and environmental impact, noting, I definitely would like to see some trees in that area.

Public comment was overwhelmingly critical, with residents raising alarms about density and soil safety. Carol Chenowski questioned the ethics of building residential units near a known contaminated site, asking if it is safe for more families to be living so close. Robert Picachi worried about the strain on local infrastructure, noting he sees residents of nearby group homes at the mall walking and fears traffic will create danger. Joyce Dalgas urged the commission to protect the town's character, stating, We want to see it conserved. We don't want to see it overbuilt. Advocate Heather Philibron added that if you are not for conservation you should not be on the conservation committee, while Emanuel Silva called the project's height beyond imagination for the area.

The commission also briefly addressed a petition to pave Ship Pond Road. Walter Morrison III cautioned against pressuring the local land trust for an opinion without finalized engineering, stating, I don't think that we should be necessarily trying to force their hand into an opinion where they've had a longstanding policy of not commenting on a project unless they're responding to actually engineered plans. Petitioner Vanessa argued that five out of five residents on the residential side are in favor of the paving. During administrative business, Paul Denoncourt recommended approving past minutes, noting he checked to make sure they spelled your name right and they did. Motion Made by Paul Denoncourt to approve the meeting minutes of November 18, 2025. Motion Passed 6-0. Staff member Patrick Farah provided an optimistic update on environmental enforcement, telling the board, we have made progress some through attrition some through enforcement as active violations dropped from 74 to 10 over the past year. Motion Made by Jamie Carpenter to request a 53G consultant peer review for this project. Motion Passed 5-0 (Morrison III abstaining).

The meeting was adjourned at 08:27 p.m.