Manchester-By-The-Sea Planning Board Meeting | October 13, 2026

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Planning Board meeting on October 13, 2026, included a presentation by Jefferson Apartment Group (JAG) on a proposed rental housing development on Gordon College’s Gordon Woods property. The evolving proposal is for approximately 245 units on about 14 acres of developable land, with 25% of units intended to be affordable under the 40B framework; JAG described design, wetland, traffic, water/sewer, trail-access, and community-impact considerations. Board members offered feedback, including concerns about building scale, conservation, public safety during construction, and possible community benefits. The project has not yet been filed, and no contract award or spending vote related to JAG’s proposal was taken.

The Board considered a professional-services proposal for a General District planning study. The town received one proposal, from consultant Kathy McCabe, for $25,000; the expense will be covered by a grant and matching funds, with the grant described as approximately $135,000 and obtained through the one-stop grant portal. The Board voted to approve the proposal and enter into an agreement with McCabe. The meeting also continued review of proposed sign-bylaw changes, but took no final action on those amendments.