Whitman Zoning Board of Appeals - June 29, 2026 meeting

The Whitman Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on June 29, 2026, primarily to review a variance request for a multifamily residential development at 25 Ry Hill Street. The applicant proposed demolishing an existing single-family home to build seven duplexes (14 units total) on a 3.3-acre site, seeking relief to reduce the required 45-foot separation between buildings to approximately 20 feet. The board heard detailed presentations on site plans, stormwater management, parking, and utility connections, including a proposed water line easement. Several town departments, including the Board of Health, Planning Board, and Fire Rescue, submitted concerns about emergency vehicle access, parking adequacy, and fire safety related to the reduced building separation and narrow driveway. Public comments echoed these concerns, highlighting infrastructure limitations and traffic safety. The board expressed significant reservations about the current plan, suggesting the applicant revisit the design to address these issues. The hearing was continued to August 17, 2026, to allow the applicant to revise the proposal. Additionally, the board approved a separate site plan amendment for 447 Harvard Street and approved meeting minutes.