Whitman Zoning Board of Appeals - July 20, 2026 meeting

The Whitman Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on July 20, 2026, to review two major property development cases involving site plan approvals and variances. The first case involved a property at 138 South A where the applicant sought approval to demolish existing accessory structures and construct a new two-bedroom single-story ranch with an attached garage and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The board discussed compliance with zoning bylaws, parking availability, and fire safety, ultimately approving the site plan. The second case concerned 96 Cherry Street, where the applicant proposed demolishing a dilapidated residential structure to build a four-unit multifamily dwelling with three bedrooms each. The board reviewed site plans, parking provisions, fire safety concerns, and neighborhood compatibility. Members expressed concerns about the scale of the project, parking adequacy, fire apparatus access, and potential overuse of basement and attic spaces as bedrooms. The board suggested reducing the number of units to three and modifying the design to better fit the neighborhood. The hearing was continued to August 24, 2026, for further review. Throughout the meeting, the board considered input from town departments including planning, fire rescue, and health, and emphasized the importance of compliance with zoning regulations and community impact.