Westport public meetings in 2023

Work Session

The Planning Board is holding a work session to discuss amendments to the Westport Zoning Bylaws and Subdivision Regulations. Proposed changes cover short-term rentals, living facilities, lot geometry, and the creation of new zoning districts.

• Amendments to Section 9.8 to regulate short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts, including Board of Health registration
• Proposed renaming of the Science and Technology Overlay District to the Science and Technology Mixed-Use District to include multi-unit housing
• Creation of a new Westport Gateway District to replace the Business District between Fall River and Route 88
• Proposal to replace the Unrestricted District with a Rural/Agricultural District
• Amendments to Section 9.1 regarding Assisted and Independent Living Facilities and congregate living definitions

Regular meeting

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit for an independent living facility. The board will also review a site plan for an adolescent education facility and discuss a draft short-term rental bylaw amendment.

• Special Permit for Westport Lakes (Assessor’s Map 31 Lots 3B, 3C and 4G) for 26 duplexes and 4 single family homes (56 units total)
• Site plan review for conversion of 435 Old Harbor Road into an adolescent education facility
• Draft short-term rental bylaw amendment for consideration
• Route 6 Rezoning project update
• Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Grant updates

The Planning Board set a public hearing for January 9, 2024, to review a draft short-term rental bylaw amendment from the Short-Term Rental Committee. The board also continued two public hearings: the Westport Lakes ILF project to March 19, 2024, and the 435 Old Harbor Road education facility to January 9, 2024. Additionally, the board voted to recommend the town repair a road settlement in front of Coastal Healing and seek reimbursement from the property owner.

• Set public hearing for Short-Term Rental By-Law amendment to January 9, 2024 (5-0)
• Forwarded draft Short-Term Rental By-Law amendment to Board of Selectmen for review (5-0)
• Continued Westport Lakes ILF public hearing to March 19, 2024 (5-0)
• Continued 435 Old Harbor Road public hearing to January 9, 2024 (5-0)
• Recommended town repair road settlement at Coastal Healing and seek reimbursement from property owner (5-0)

Regular meeting

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on two subdivision projects and receive reports on municipal vulnerability preparedness and Route 6 rezoning. The board will also consider a 2-lot plan for land on River Road and Puddingstone Lane.

• Definitive subdivision plan for Cory Ridge Estates at 265 Cornell Road to create four lots
• Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for 416 River Road and 0 Puddingstone Lane
• Lot and Surety Release Request for Stacy Lane Subdivision (431 Fisher Road LLC)
• Public meeting recap regarding Route 6 Rezoning
• Invoice for East Bay Media Route 6 Re-zoning Ad for $115.00

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board held two public hearings, both continued to December 12, 2023. The first was for a proposed retail-only marijuana dispensary at 260 State Road (Salty Breeze, Inc.), continued due to missing plan details. The second was for a 9-lot subdivision on Drift Road (Plat 52 Lot 20A), continued to address concerns about sidewalks, hydrology, and soil contamination. The board also approved an ANR plan for 17 Adamsville Road and discussed fee schedule changes and a public comment time limit.

• Approved ANR plan for 17 Adamsville Road (Map 77 Lots 12 & 12D) to create one new lot
• Continued public hearing for Salty Breeze, Inc. retail marijuana dispensary at 260 State Road to Dec 12
• Continued public hearing for 9-lot subdivision at 0 Drift Road (Plat 52 Lot 20A) to Dec 12
• Planning Board adopted 5-minute public comment limit per speaker
• Submitted $146,000 grant for online permitting software; received $25,000 for stormwater work

The Westport Planning Board voted unanimously to continue two public hearings to December 12, 2023: a retail marijuana dispensary at 260 State Road and a nine-lot subdivision on Drift Road. The board also approved an ANR plan for a new lot at 17 Adamsville Road and adopted a five-minute public comment limit.

• Approved ANR plan for 17 Adamsville Road (4-0)
• Continued Salty Breeze dispensary hearing to December 12 (4-0)
• Continued Marcotte Drive subdivision hearing to December 12 (4-0)
• Adopted five-minute public comment limit

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will meet to consider several administrative items and hold public hearings on minor subdivision and site plan applications, including a continued hearing for 82 Highridge Road. The board will also discuss establishing a policy for public testimony time limits and receive updates on various planning projects and grants.

• Endorsement of 2-lot plan at 234 Pine Hill Road (23-033A)
• Endorse plan for Silverback Construction (23-004-1SPA-MINOR)
• Public hearing: 146 State Road-Burke V. Twin (23-030SPA-Minor)
• Public hearing: Plat 21 Lot 8A (23-028SPA-LID-Minor)
• Continued public hearing: 82 Highridge Road (23-023SP-FF)

The Westport Planning Board approved a minor site plan for a motorcycle repair business at 146 State Road, including a waiver of technical compliance. The board also endorsed a 2-lot subdivision at 234 Pine Hill Road and continued a public hearing for a property at Plat 21 Lot 8A to November 14, 2023.

• Approved endorsement of 2-lot plan at 234 Pine Hill Road (5-0)
• Approved minor site plan for motorcycle repair business at 146 State Road with waiver (5-0)
• Continued public hearing for Plat 21 Lot 8A to November 14, 2023 (5-0)
• Adopted time-limit policy for public comment (5-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold two public hearings: one for a property at 82 Highridge Road and one for a minor modification by Silverback Construction. The board will also review the housing production plan, fee schedule, and various reports on grants and local studies.

• Public hearing at 6:15 p.m. for 82 Highridge Road (23-023-1SP-FF)
• Public hearing at 6:30 p.m. for Silverback Construction (21-004SPA-Minor)
• Review of Planning Office Fee Schedule
• Invoice: Westport Shorelines AG's notice - $533.00
• Invoice: Quill chairs for Planning Department conference table - $588.88

The Westport Planning Board approved a minor modification to a previously approved site plan for Silverback Construction at 2 Cheryl's Way, allowing the stairwell to be moved outside and reducing parking by one space. The board also continued a public hearing for a special permit at 82 Highridge Road due to lack of applicant representation. Additionally, the board received updates on the Housing Production Plan and other ongoing projects.

• Approved minor site plan modification for Silverback Construction at 2 Cheryl's Way (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for special permit at 82 Highridge Road to October 3, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved invoices for Westport Shorelines legal notice ($533) and Quill chairs ($588.88) (4-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold a regular meeting with several re-votes and administrative actions, including modifications to the Stacy Lane subdivision plan, release of performance surety for the Brookwood Solar project, and closeout of covenant balances for Gifford Road properties. The board will also hear a pre-application consultation for an adolescent education and housing facility, and receive reports on planning initiatives and correspondence.

• Re-vote on Stacy Lane (20-002C) Form E modification to Definitive Subdivision Plan
• Re-vote on Stacy Lane (20-002C) request to release lots (Form O Partial Release)
• Release of $50,000 performance surety for Brookwood Solar (19-005SP) landscaping/vegetation
• Closeout and release of covenant balances: $470 + interest (Pacheco, 0 Gifford Road) and $1500 + interest (Pacheco, 0 Gifford Rd. RRL)
• Pre-application consultation (23-029PAC) by Richard Burke for adolescent education and housing facility

The Westport Planning Board approved several administrative items, including modifications to a definitive subdivision plan at 431 Fisher Road, release of lots on Stacy Lane, and closeout of consultant review balances. The board also discussed a pre-application for an adolescent education and housing facility at 435 Old Harbor Road, providing feedback on stormwater, septic, and zoning requirements. No substantive decisions were made on the pre-application.

• Approved modification to definitive subdivision plan at 431 Fisher Road (4-0)
• Released lots 7,8,9,11,12,13 from restrictions on Stacy Lane (4-0)
• Released $470 + interest consultant review balance for 0 Gifford Road (4-0)
• Released $1,500 + interest consultant review balance for Plat 29 Lot 22C (4-0)
• Endorsed Mylar for definitive subdivision at Inheritance Lane (4-0)
• Granted full release of $50,000 performance surety for Brookwood Solar landscaping (4-0)
• Re-approved minutes of June 13, June 27, and July 11, 2023 (5-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board is meeting to handle administrative items, including ANR endorsements, subdivision modifications, and surety releases, and to hold a public hearing on a special permit for a flexible frontage at 82 Highridge Road. The board will also discuss a pre-application for a 10-lot subdivision and consider recommending members to a short-term rental bylaw committee.

• Public hearing: Special Permit Flexible Frontage at 82 Highridge Road (23-023SP-FF)
• ANR endorsement for 2-lot plan at 82 Highridge Road (23-023A)
• ANR endorsement for 2-lot plan at 0 Devol Pond Drive (23-026A)
• Release of $50,000 performance surety for Brookwood Solar landscaping
• Pre-application consultation for 10-lot subdivision by VazoRealty Trust

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold its regular meeting on July 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Selectmen's meeting room. The board will vote on a surety amount for incomplete work at the Stacy Lane subdivision on Fisher Road, and continue a public hearing for the Oakridge development by Westport Horizons Development Corp. Administrative items include an ANR endorsement for a 2-lot plan at 17 Franklin Street, and the planner will report on grant updates, drone photos, and a rezoning meeting.

• Vote on surety amount for incomplete work at Stacy Lane subdivision, 431 Fisher Rd (20-002SPA-C)
• Continued public hearing for Oakridge development (06-001SP-MAJOR), last continued from May 16, 2023
• ANR endorsement request for 2-lot plan at 17 Franklin Street, Assessors Map 23 Lots 7 & 47B (23-022A)
• Planner's report: Salt Marsh Grant updates, Westport drone photos, next rezoning meeting with BSC Group
• Meeting location changed to Board of Selectmen's room, 2nd floor Town Hall, 816 Main Road

The Westport Planning Board denied a major modification to a special permit that would have eliminated sidewalks in the Oakridge Condominium development, citing safety concerns and non-compliance with zoning by-laws. The board also approved an ANR plan for a 2-lot subdivision at 17 Franklin Street and set a $100,000 surety for incomplete work at 431 Fisher Road.

• Denied major modification to eliminate sidewalks at Oakridge Condominiums (5-0)
• Approved ANR endorsement for 2-lot subdivision at 17 Franklin Street (5-0)
• Set $100,000 surety for incomplete work at 431 Fisher Road 'Stacy Lane' (5-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold its regular meeting on June 27, 2023, addressing several administrative items, including a request to eliminate a sidewalk in phase II of Bentley Estates II, a presentation on priority development and conservation areas, and the close-out of consultant review fees and surety for Medeiros Farm. The board will also discuss short-term rental bylaws with a Zoning Board of Appeals member and consider canceling the July 25 meeting due to a special election.

• Bentley Estates II (15-009C): Request to eliminate sidewalk in phase II
• Medeiros Farm (07-002C): Release consultant review fees ($749.60 + interest) and surety balance ($85,132.60 + interest)
• 0 Gifford Road (23-013B-RRL): Endorse Form B-1
• Inheritance Lane (23-010C-RRL): Endorse Form F-RRL Covenant and Form C-2
• Chapter 91 Licenses: 1702-E Drift Road (Mooney), 2015 Main Road (Branca), 21 Valentine Lane (Christiano)

The Westport Planning Board voted 5-0 to authorize the chairman to appoint two members to a working group with the Zoning Board of Appeals to draft a short-term rental bylaw amendment for the 2024 Town Meeting. The board also closed out consultant review fees and surety for Medeiros Farm, endorsed subdivision forms for Gifford Road and Inheritance Lane, and discussed a sidewalk waiver request for Bentley Estates II without a vote.

• Authorized chairman to appoint two Planning Board members to short-term rental working group (5-0)
• Closed out consultant review fees of $749.60 plus interest and surety balance of $85,132.60 plus interest for Medeiros Farm (5-0)
• Endorsed Form B-1 for Gifford Road (23-013B-RRL)
• Endorsed Forms F-RRL and C-2 for Inheritance Lane (23-010C-RRL)
• Approved W.B. Mason invoice of $25.16 (5-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will meet to consider several subdivision and land-use items, including two public hearings: a continued hearing for the Stoneridge private community and a new hearing for the Inheritance Lane definitive subdivision. The board will also review preliminary subdivision plans, pre-application consultations, and several Approval Not Required (ANR) plans, along with administrative items such as committee re-appointments and invoice approvals.

• Public hearing (continued) for Stoneridge: A Private Community (23-002SP-ILF-SPA-LID)
• Public hearing for Inheritance Lane definitive subdivision, 4 lots between 99 and 115 Old Pine Hill Road
• Preliminary subdivision plan for 2 lots on Gifford Road (23-013B)
• Pre-application consultation for a 15' x 30' commercial garage at 146 State Road (23-018PAC)
• ANR plans for lots on Division Road, Gifford Road/Mouse Mill Road, and Granite Post Road

The Westport Planning Board approved the definitive subdivision plan for Inheritance Lane, creating two buildable lots off Old Pine Hill Road, along with requested waivers. The board also approved a preliminary subdivision on Gifford Road, three ANR plans, and committee re-appointments. A public hearing for Stoneridge was withdrawn without prejudice.

• Approved Inheritance Lane definitive subdivision plan (4-0)
• Approved waivers for Inheritance Lane (4-0)
• Approved preliminary subdivision plan for Rural Road (4-0)
• Approved ANR plan for 0 Division Road (4-0)
• Approved ANR plan for Gifford Road and Mouse Mill Road (4-0)
• Approved ANR plan for 0 Granite Post Road (4-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of Stoneridge application without prejudice (4-0)
• Approved committee re-appointments for Whitin, Bullard, Schmid, Daylor, Soares (4-0)

Cancelled meeting

This meeting was cancelled. The agenda included administrative items, a public hearing, and reports, but no decisions were made.

• Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Rural Road (23-013B) for Emanuel B. Pacheco, west side of Gifford Road, Map 29 Lot 22C, dividing into 2 lots
• Approval Not Required (ANR) for 0 Division Road, Map 45 Lots 8 & 15 (23-014A)
• Public Hearing for definitive subdivision plan Inheritance Lane (23-010C-RRL), between 99 and 115 Old Pine Hill Road, Map 43 Lot 3, dividing into 4 lots
• Committee re-appointments for John Bullard, Bob Daylor, Mark Schmid, Manny Soares
• Invoice: W.B. Mason keyboard and mouse $28.44

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board unanimously reorganized its leadership, keeping Jim Whitin as Chair, Robert Daylor as Vice-Chair, and Mark L. Schmid as Clerk. The board approved an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for three lots at 408 Sodom Road and continued a public hearing for the Oakridge development to July 11, 2023, pending legal guidance. No substantive decisions were made on the Oakridge sidewalk elimination or other pending items.

• Reelected Jim Whitin as Chair, Robert Daylor as Vice-Chair, Mark L. Schmid as Clerk (4-0)
• Appointed Manuel Soares and Robert Daylor to Infrastructure Committee (4-0)
• Reappointed Jim Whitin as SRPEDD representative (4-0)
• Authorized chair to sign support letter for Rural and Small Town Fund and Commonwealth Places grants (4-0)
• Authorized chair to amend ARPA letter of support for Main Road corridor plan (4-0)
• Approved ANR plan for 408 Sodom Road, creating three lots (4-0)
• Continued Oakridge public hearing to July 11, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved April 4, 2023 minutes as written (4-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a special permit and flexible frontage application from the Buzzards Bay Coalition for property at 559 Main Road. The board will also consider an ANR endorsement for a two-lot plan at the same address, a certificate of occupancy for Prestige Auto, and a discussion on a proposed marijuana establishment by Salty Breeze Inc.

• Public hearing: Special Permit, Flexible Frontage for Buzzards Bay Coalition, 559 Main Road (Map 69 Lot 12)
• ANR endorsement request for 2-lot plan, 559 Main Road (23-004A)
• Certificate of Occupancy request for Prestige Auto, 50 Forge Road (19-008SPA)
• Discussion of marijuana establishment development by Salty Breeze Inc. (23-011PAC)

The Planning Board approved a Special Permit for flexible frontage and a land plan endorsement for the Buzzards Bay Coalition. The board also recommended a temporary certificate of occupancy for Prestige Auto Mart Inc.

• Approved endorsement of land plan for Buzzards Bay Coalition at 559 Main Road (3-0-1)
• Recommended 90-day temporary Certificate of Occupancy for Prestige Auto Mart Inc. at 50 Forge Road (4-0-0)
• Approved Special Permit for Flexible Frontage for Buzzards Bay Coalition at 559 Main Road (3-0-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved March 7, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a special permit and flexible frontage application from the Buzzards Bay Coalition for property at 559 Main Road. The board will also consider two Approval Not Required (ANR) plans, discuss eliminating sidewalks in the Bentley Estates II subdivision, and review a certificate of occupancy request for Prestige Auto at 50 Forge Road.

• Public hearing: Buzzards Bay Coalition special permit, flexible frontage (23-005SP-FF) at 559 Main Road, Map 69 Lot 12
• ANR endorsement: Buzzards Bay Coalition plan for 2 lots at 559 Main Road (23-004A)
• ANR endorsement: 0 Sodom Road-Palmer plan for 5 lots (23-008A)
• Bentley Estates II (15-009C): second phase discussion on eliminating sidewalks
• Prestige Auto (19-008SPA): certificate of occupancy request for 50 Forge Road

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold two public hearings: one on the Stoneridge private community project and another to close the 2023 Zoning By-Law Amendment hearing. The board will also consider administrative items, including a letter requesting bids for the Maya Way project and endorsing a performance surety for 202 Pine Hill Road.

• Letter to Board of Selectmen requesting Highway Department solicit bids for Maya Way project
• Endorse Form G for Performance Surety for 202 Pine Hill Road (19-012SP)
• Public hearing on Stoneridge: A Private Community (23-002SP-ILF-SPA-LID)
• Close 2023 Zoning By-Law Amendment Public Hearing

The Planning Board voted to request that Selectmen authorize the use of a $87,000 surety to complete the Maya Way project after a developer defaulted. The Board also closed the 2023 Zoning By-Law Amendment public hearing and continued a hearing for the Stoneridge development project.

• Approved request for Selectmen to authorize $87,000 expenditure for Maya Way project (5-0-0)
• Endorsed Form G for $100,000 performance guarantee surety for 202 Pine Hill Road
• Continued Stoneridge public hearing to June 13, 2023 (5-0-0)
• Closed 2023 Zoning By-Law Amendment public hearing (5-0-0)
• Approved February 21, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board is meeting to handle administrative items, including endorsing Form G for the Route 88 Solar 1 and 0 Brookwood Drive projects, and hearing a notice of appeal for 533 Horseneck Road. They will also consider an ANR plan for 484 Sanford Road to create three lots, and approve invoices for legal ads and supplies.

• Endorse Form G for Route 88 Solar 1, LLC (18-011SP)
• Endorse Form G for 0 Brookwood Drive (19-005SP)
• Notice of appeal for 533 Horseneck Road (23-001A)
• ANR plan for 484 Sanford Road to create 3 lots (23-007A)
• Invoices: East Bay Media Group $246.00, WB Mason $76.94

The Planning Board endorsed performance sureties for two projects and approved a plan for three lots at 484 Sanford Road. The board also approved two administrative invoices and the minutes from the February 7 meeting.

• Endorsed Form G for Performance Surety for Route 88 Solar 1, LLC (18-011SP)
• Endorsed Form G for 0 Brookwood Drive (19-005SP)
• Approved endorsement of Approval Not Required Plan for 484 Sanford Road (5-0)
• Approved East Bay Media Group legal ad invoice for $246.00 (5-0)
• Approved W.B. Mason computer supplies invoice for $76.94 (5-0)
• Approved February 7, 2023 minutes as amended (5-0)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board is meeting to discuss administrative items, including two pre-application consultations for proposed subdivisions, and to hold a public hearing on the 2023 Zoning Bylaw Amendments. The board will also review an invoice for a zoning bylaw advertisement and other routine matters.

• Pre-application consultation for proposed subdivision at 0 Gifford Road, Map 29 Lot 22C
• Pre-application consultation for proposed Special Permit Common Driveway and Flexible Frontage at 744 Drift Road, Map 54 Lot 43A
• Public hearing on 2023 Zoning Bylaw Amendments
• Invoice from East Bay Media Group for Zoning By-Law ad - $246.00

Regular meeting

The Planning Board approved a plan of land for the Richard Family Trust at 533 Horseneck Road. The board also voted to support a Buzzard's Bay Coalition grant application and request matching funds from the Board of Selectmen.

• Approved endorsement of Plan of Land for 533 Horseneck Road (unanimous)
• Approved support for Buzzard Bay Coalition application and request for $30,000 in ARPA funds (5-0)
• Approved January 10, 2023 minutes as amended (4-0, 1 abstention)

Regular meeting

The Westport Planning Board will hold its regular meeting to handle administrative items, including subdivision closeouts, surety releases, and extension requests. They will also discuss the FY24 budget and a request for additional ARPA funds for a Route 6 zoning study.

• Maya Way Subdivision - roadway incompleteness & surety
• Coastal Healing, LLC (19-015SP-MM) - partial release of surety
• Westport Rt. 88 Solar 1, LLC (18-011SP-SPA-LID-S) - 1-year extension request
• Request additional ARPA funds for Route 6 Zoning study from Select Board
• ANR 34 Old Harbor Road - endorsement of plan for four parcels

The Planning Board granted a one-year extension for a solar project and approved a land plan for 34 Old Harbor Road. The Board also authorized a request for $20,000 in ARPA funds for a Route 6 zoning study and recommended the FY24 budget.

• Approved release of $3,691.92 plus interest in inspection fees for Braybach Lane (4-0)
• Granted 1-year extension to Westport Route 88 Solar 1, LLC until Nov 6, 2023, conditioned on $50,000 surety and as-built survey (4-0)
• Authorized request to Selectboard for $20,000 in ARPA funds for Route 6 rezoning (4-0)
• Approved endorsement of land plan for 34 Old Harbor Road (4-0)
• Recommended the FY24 Planning Department budget to the Finance Committee (4-0)
• Approved November 29, 2022 minutes (4-0)
• Approved December 13, 2022 minutes with correction (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Supported CRC's MVP application for outreach and adaptive reuse of the old high school (4-0)