The Duxbury Zoning Board of Appeals opened a special hearing on January 15, 2026, to consider a comprehensive permit application for "The Villas at Keenbrook," a proposed 40B development at 910 and 934 Temple Street. The project, submitted by the Villas at Keenbrook LLC, currently envisions 28 single-family homes, seven of which would be designated as affordable housing. Chair Wayne Dennison opened the session by clarifying the board's expertise and expectations, particularly regarding the applicant's submission materials. Referring to a memo from the applicant's consultant regarding peer review processes, Dennison remarked, this board is very experienced and we didn't need that memo. He further cautioned the developers that their current waiver list was inadequate, stating, we need to know when you're asking for dimensional waivers, how much of a waiver, so we're not just writing a blank check for a project.

The development team, led by Attorney Robert Galvin and Muhammad Atani of Stonebridge Homes, signaled an immediate desire to pivot. Galvin noted that after hearing initial feedback from the Duxbury Planning Board, the team intended to redesign the site plan. It really doesn't make a lot of sense to spend your time and energy or peer reviewing a project that we don't intend to actually build, Galvin told the board, requesting a two-month continuance to finalize a new concept featuring shared septic systems and "detached condos" rather than individual lots. Muhammad Atani shared his company’s history of South Shore projects, emphasizing a desire for collaboration. We promise to be a good neighbor, Atani said. We promise to work with the town.

Board members expressed significant reservations about the initial architectural and environmental plans. Vice Chair Judith Barrett highlighted the scathing feedback from the Design Review Board, which had called the schematic designs "uninspired." I take design review board comments really seriously because I find often design solutions are really the way to deal with density, Barrett noted. While Philip Thorn and Emmett Sheehan remained largely observant during the preliminary presentation, both confirmed they had no further questions at this stage, with Thorn stating, I do not, and Sheehan adding, No, following the initial project summary. Freeman Boynton Jr. addressed the logistics of the future sessions, noting his availability for the upcoming schedule by stating, I can be there virtually.

Community members also voiced concerns regarding the aesthetic and ecological impact of the 18.7-acre project. Resident Shila Lynch Bentin urged the developers to avoid "clear-cutting" the site, which she warned could result in a "naked mole rat" appearance similar to other local developments. They can really work with a landscape architect, do a streetscape that matches Temple Street, save a few trees, and keep the agrarian nature of the area, she suggested. Resident Ron Ival questioned how such density was permissible in a wellhead protection area. Selectboard Liaison Amy M. MacNab sought clarification on the timing of technical reviews, noting, I am a little confused about peer review and how the board would obtain accurate proposals if the plans were in flux. The board ultimately agreed to wait for revised plans before engaging consultants for traffic and civil engineering reviews.

Motion Made by Judith Barrett to continue the public hearing on the village Keenbrook until March 12th. Motion Passed 5-0