Town of Norwell

The key discussions focused on a public hearing regarding an application to alter a stone wall at 21 Norwell Avenue, which involved a Scenic Road Hearing. The Board unanimously voted to approve the request after waiving the stone pier/post requirement. In miscellaneous business, there was a suggestion to repeal the Scenic Road bylaw due to associated time and cost, with the Chair agreeing to have a draft article prepared. The Board also acknowledged the final day of the Director of Planning and Community Development and planned for procedural continuity until a new planner is hired. Invoices for meeting minutes from a previous session were approved for payment.

The key discussions centered on subdivision and site plan review for two properties. For 180/172 Circuit Street, the board accepted and approved an ANR filing that involved splitting one lot into two conforming lots, including a land swap related to a proposed driveway and a filed Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission. For 431/435 Main Street, the board accepted and approved an ANR filing proposing to divide 435 Main Street to create a second buildable lot, utilizing a small land swap and anticipating future discussions regarding wetlands and common driveways. Additionally, the board approved payment for several invoices, reviewed correspondence received from neighboring towns (Hingham and Rockland), and discussed the ongoing process for hiring a new Town Planner, scheduling a follow-up meeting for candidate review and voting.

The business meeting covered the unanimous approval of the agenda. The Board unanimously voted to return an escrow credit balance of $1,581.10 to the Applicant and close the escrow account associated with the 15 High Street 40B project, as it has been completed. No general discussion topics were offered for the business portion of the meeting. Additionally, during the public hearing segment, there was a unanimous vote to approve the Site Plan/Special Permit application with specified conditions for the property located at 690 Main Street.

The key discussion centered on the continued public hearing for the South Barn Comprehensive Permit 40B application. The panel reviewed the draft submitted by the Applicant's attorney, with Town Counsel providing revisions based on the agreement reached by the involved parties. The Town Counsel is tasked with circulating these revisions to the Applicant and the ZBA members. The public hearing was formally continued to a future date.

The primary purpose of the site walk was to view the existing and proposed building uses, parking areas, and shared parking arrangements for the 690 Main Street Site Plan/Shared Parking Application. Attendees observed the interior of the existing Cheever's restaurant operation, the upper level housing the proposed "Sparrell's" store and take-out kitchen, and the proposed function room. The site visit also included viewing three office spaces overlooking the rear parking lot. Finally, the shared parking spaces under agreement with John Lund located at 695-697 Main Street were viewed, as well as an area adjacent to 690 Main Street where Pours coffee shop is located.