The Plymouth Planning Board signaled strong support for a new 17-room boutique hotel project across three properties on Howland Street during Wednesday night’s session. Attorney Rob Damroso and developer Rick Vayo presented the proposal as a high-end conversion of existing structures in the Downtown Harbor District. Damroso noted that this is a by-right use, which simplifies the permitting process compared to adjacent developments. Despite the allowed use, board members focused heavily on site layout. Vice Chair Timothy Grandy expressed skepticism regarding the proposed parking dimensions, stating, I'm not a big believer in the 9 foot spaces. In response, the board conditioned their favorable recommendation on widening several spaces. Town Planner Lee Hartman spoke in favor of the conversion, remarking that this is exactly the type of use we'd like to see occurring downtown to balance residential and tourist growth.

Motion Made by Timothy Grandy to recommend approval to the Zoning Board of Appeals for ZBA 4185, 4186, and 4187 as a single project, with added language for a waiver of section 2037F1, a requirement that five southern parking spaces be increased to 9.5 feet in width, and a recommendation for a decorative fence around the dumpster. Vote Passed 6-0

The atmosphere grew more tense during a public hearing for a residential rebuild at 162 Taylor Avenue. Abutter Anthony Pronsky raised alarms about the impact of driving wooden piles into the sandy soil, telling the board, my cottage shakes when the heavy trucks go down Taylor Ave. Contractor Bob Clogston attempted to reassure the board, noting that the odds of any damage being done are very minimal at a distance of 60 feet, but agreed to perform pre-inspections. Member Christopher Smith scrutinized the interior plans, pointing out that it appears to be a four bedroom house despite a strict two-bedroom septic restriction. Member Carl Donaldson inquired about the utility of the rooms, asking, Is there any kitchen or anything being offered in the secondary spaces to ensure they would not be used as bedrooms.

Motion Made by Timothy Grandy to recommend approval of ZBA 4193 to the Zoning Board of Appeals with conditions to remove closets in the living room and office, require seismic monitoring during pile driving, limit driving hours to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and mandate a pre-inspection of the neighbor's foundation. Vote Passed 6-0

Finally, the board reviewed an informal concept for a Village Open Space Development (VOSD) at 243 Sandwich Street. Nate Butterfield explained that the project would allow his 72-year-old mother to build a modest retirement home on family land. The goal of the subdivision is not an investment but to provide a good site for my mother, Butterfield said. While Member Francis Mand questioned the lack of public access to the proposed open space, noting, I view it as not in keeping with the intent of the VOSD if it remains isolated, Member Tim Bennett countered that the open space can be retained as private property and restricted to its use. Chair Steven Bolotin supported the vision, telling the applicant, you're certainly working consistent with the intent of the bylaw regarding senior housing and natural preservation.

Motion Made by Tim Bennett to approve the street name Jones Pond Way for the Pine Hills LLC project at map 77D, lots A-354. Vote Passed 6-0

The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM