Retired tourism executive Lee Filson will join the Plymouth Center Steering Committee following a decisive selection process during Wednesday’s Planning Board meeting. Filson, the former CEO of See Plymouth and current chair of the Mayflower Meeting House project, was chosen for a term expiring in June 2027 after the board interviewed three local residents for the vacancy. During her interview, Filson emphasized her commitment to the area’s economic and aesthetic vitality, noting that what happens within Plymouth Center is of great interest to me. I also have a deep appreciation for tourism, which is our number one industry. She distinguished the role of the Steering Committee from architectural oversight, telling the board she views the group’s work as handling lighter things whether it be signage or whether or not there should be a statue of Mercy Warren.

Filson was selected over candidates Mattie Mahoney, a Plymouth Public Library employee focused on public safety, and Dan Sullivan, who expressed concerns that the town’s center was becoming divorced from its original neighborhoods. Member F. Mand raised questions regarding the overlap between various town committees, while Member C. Donaldson and Member T. Bennett weighed the merits of the candidates' specific neighborhood advocacy. Motion Made by F. Mand to nominate Lee Filson. Motion Passed (4-0). Following the vote, the board moved to discuss the broader future of the town’s development via an update on the Comprehensive Master Plan.

Chair Steven Bolotin reported that the Master Plan Committee is finalizing tweaks to the town’s long-term roadmap, with a renewed emphasis on fiscal sustainability. A significant new addition to the plan includes a multi-year strategy for fiscal planning, a move Planning Director Lauren Lind said was necessary to align town goals with financial reality. Lind noted that the item that will be further revised is the new recommended item that we spoke about with the multi-year strategy for fiscal planning. Bolotin suggested that the current committee should remain active to help structure a permanent implementation body, stating, The suggestion that will be presented to this board will be that we maintain the existing Master Plan Committee for a period of time and have that committee come forward with its recommendation as to what type of ongoing implementation committee we have.

Turning to specific land-use cases, the board reviewed a proposal for 57 West Long Pond Road involving major construction within a floodplain. Representative Bill Flaherty explained that the homeowners are seeking a Letter of Map Amendment from FEMA to correct what they believe are inaccurate flood maps for the elevation. A central component of the project is the relocation and upgrade of a septic system away from Round Pond. Abutter Hampton Watkins spoke in favor of the project, noting that in 19 years, the highest water rise he seen was 2.5 feet, which did not reach the houses. Associate Member Christopher Smith scrutinized the technical drawings, pointing out discrepancies between the architectural elevations and the site plan regarding the grading for a planned walk-out basement. Motion Made by T. Bennett to recommend approval of both special permits to the ZBA subject to staff conditions and conservation review. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also tackled a site plan review for 239 South Meadow Road, where developer Bill Shaw proposed a 5,400-square-foot office and warehouse building. Shaw requested a Unified Complex designation to allow the new structure to be managed and financed as a separate lot with a reduced five-foot setback. While the board generally supported the expansion, Member F. Mand pushed for more environmentally conscious landscaping after reviewing the plans from John Henson. I believe a lot of these are non-native trees and shrubbery, Mand observed, adding, I would recommend and hope that you make every effort to have as many native species as possible. Motion Made by T. Bennett to recommend issuance of the permit and verify the project as a unified complex. Motion Passed (5-0).

In routine business, the board addressed several administrative filings to clear the way for ongoing developments. Motion Made by F. Mand to accept the release of covenant for B437 Pine Hills LLC. Motion Passed (5-0). Additionally, the board moved forward with a subdivision plan for property at 74 Old Sandwich Road. Motion Made by T. Bennett to endorse the Form A plan for A4911. Motion Passed (5-0).