The Plymouth Zoning Board of Appeals cleared the way for a new high-end hospitality project in the downtown district, approving a 17-room boutique hotel conversion at 10, 10R, and 14 Howland Street. Attorney Rob Damroso introduced the project as a sister project to a nearby Chilton Street hotel, noting that it’s going to be a nice high-end boutique hotel that we think is going to be a real boon to downtown. Engineer Mark Flity presented the site plans, assuring the board that the site works from a civil engineering standpoint despite the narrow driveways and consolidated entries. Developer Rick Veo emphasized the operational logic behind the parking requests, explaining that we’d rather deal with nine or nine and a half than lose a space to maintain enough greenery for guest functions.

Board members scrutinized the parking layout and potential traffic impacts on the neighboring streets. Michael Main questioned the spacing efficiency, asking, why couldn't we go one more space on each side to maximize off-street capacity. Associate member David Peck expressed concern over the deviations from standard dimensions, stating, I just want to just follow up on with a couple parking questions to understand the necessity of the smaller stalls. Peter Conner voiced skepticism about the high density of the plan, remarking that I have 17 hotel rooms there. You got 13 spots at 9 and a half width. It seems like it's a five-pound a two-pound bag. Local resident Donna Abelli shared neighbor anxieties regarding existing traffic violations, warning the board that the one way is just a nightmare and that additional visitors might exacerbate safety issues.

Ultimately, the board moved to grant the requested waivers for driveway and lane widths, though Michael Leary admitted, I think the street needs it. So, I’m torn between looking at that street. Ed Conroy addressed technicalities regarding late-arriving Department of Public Works comments, noting that since that's been taken out you can't just add a waiver once so we just to answer the question we can't do it no matter what in reference to a missing legal advertisement for a turning radius waiver. Motion Made by Kevin O'Reilly to "approve case 4185, 4186, and 4187 with the nine conditions presented to you tonight". Vote Passed 4-1 (Michael Main voted nay).

The board also addressed a residential reconstruction at 162 Taylor Avenue. Surveyor Rick Savant detailed the plans to elevate the non-conforming structure on piles, stating that the house is in compliance with the flood regulations which is certainly an improvement over the structure that’s there. Abutter Anthony Pronsky raised concerns about construction vibrations, noting, my cottage shakes when heavy trucks go down Taylor. Builder Robert Clogston confirmed he would modify the interior layout to ensure a living area would not be used as an extra bedroom, stating, I basically I removed the door on that front living area. Motion Made by David Peck to "approve case number 4193 with the six conditions". Vote Passed 5-0.

Finally, an informal discussion for 168 Warren Avenue resulted in the board requiring a formal modification application for a proposed expansion. Designer Jordan Race explained that initially, we had proposed a partial second floor and about 450 feet of added living space, but the revised plan jumped to 1,000 square feet. Neighborhood association president Tom Rook supported the change, saying it was unanimously voted to approve and endorse the recommendation for the petitioners. However, Tom Wallace inquired about the procedural impact, asking what is the assume this board declares it substantial, what burden is that put on the homeowner? Motion Made by David Peck to "move on case 4164 that we have determined it is a substantial change". Vote Passed 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.