The Duxbury Planning Board held a marathon remote session on Monday to address several contentious subdivision and residential projects. A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to the continued hearing for 51 Wadsworth Road, where attorney Rob Damroso and engineer Josh Green argued for a waiver to reduce the cul-de-sac diameter from 150 to 80 feet. Damroso urged the board to see the smaller design as the superior choice, stating, This is the board's opportunity here to direct this project and select a design that you think is in the best interest of the community. Green provided technical data to support the environmental benefits of the smaller layout, noting, We tried to put a point on that by giving you some hard data to hang your hat on. However, Vice Chair Wayne Dennison remained unconvinced, criticizing the shifting requests as a bait and switch. Dennison argued that the rules are the town's best defense, saying, The best expression of the public interest that I know are the rules and regulation adopted by the town.

The board members were deeply divided on the Wadsworth Road waiver. Matthew Ray favored the smaller footprint to minimize site work, observing, By granting the waiver we reduce the land disturbance... overall that does meet the benchmark. Steve Gandt echoed this sentiment, adding, The 80-foot diameter I think is really something that minimizes the impact to the streetscape. On the other side, Tag Carpenter questioned the fundamental safety and feasibility of the access, remarking, In my view, they look like they’re borderline illusory. Lauren Sirois expressed her hesitation to deviate from established standards, stating, I am really concerned with just kind of setting the precedent... we should probably stick to it. Jennifer Turcotte, PE admitted the decision was difficult, confessing, This is the waiver that I had the most heartburn with. Ultimately, the board rejected the waiver in a split vote. Motion Made by Jennifer Turcotte to grant the requested waiver for the 80-foot diameter cul-de-sac. Motion Failed 3-4 (Rappe, Ray, Gandt voting "Aye"; Turcotte, Dennison, Carpenter, Sirois voting "Nay"). The hearing was continued to February 9 to allow the applicant to provide a unified plan set meeting the 150-foot requirement.

In contrast, the board successfully moved the Evelyn’s Way subdivision at 0 Keen Street toward completion. Engineer Mark Casey requested a final decision, noting that outstanding issues with shade trees were minor: I just don't see any need to continue. I think I would ask if you would make a decision this evening. Douglas Bardi, the lot purchaser, reminded the board of previous discussions where conditions were seen as the way forward. Peer reviewer Pat Brennan confirmed that drainage plans exceeded requirements, though Wayne Dennison voiced concerns about voting before the tree warden had finalized the planting species. Planning Director Matthew Heins clarified the board's authority to condition approval, and Chair Kristin Rappe supported closing the hearing to provide the applicant certainty. Motion Made by Jennifer Turcotte to close the public hearing for Evelyn's Way subdivision. Motion Passed 6-1 (Dennison voting "Nay"). Motion Made by Jennifer Turcotte to approve Evelyn's Way subdivision with the three conditions regarding shade trees, private road status, and well approvals. Motion Passed 6-1 (Dennison voting "Nay").

The board also performed an administrative review for a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 161 Winter Street. Max Capo of Grady Consulting described the proposal as a protected-use unit with a garage underneath, explaining, The grading for the project will protect the natural features of the site. While board members praised the high-quality aerial renderings, questions arose regarding the exact gross floor area calculations. Representative Buzz from Buildex assured the board they would work with the zoning officer, stating, We'll also amend the plan to show the 900 GFA on the plan. Neighbor Devin Graham spoke in favor of the ADU, highlighting neighborhood safety: If we can reduce that the amount of trucks, that would be a huge win for the community. The ADU hearing was continued to February 9 to allow for updated plan labels. Earlier in the meeting, the board addressed a performance security reduction for Glenn Way. Pat Brennan noted, The basin's complete. They just have to seat it once the weather breaks. Motion Made by Jennifer Turcotte to approve this recommended reduction of performance security. Motion Passed 6-0.