Chair Michael Main opened the Plymouth Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on a frigid Monday evening, noting that despite the "lousy night," the board would work quickly to address a single petition. Avalon Bay requested a special permit to construct a 14.7-foot retaining wall at 102 Samset Street, a project designed to support a new water booster pump station within the Oak Grove and Vinehill Cemeteries. Roxel Rigby, representing Avalon Bay, emphasized that the project serves as a key mitigation measure for the Colony Place development, stating, the pump station we'll be discussing was required as part of the mitigation measures tied to our approved comprehensive permit for the property located at 600 and 610 Colony Place. Alustin Pototts of Apex Engineering explained that the station is essential for addressing a water supply deficit in the West Plymouth zone.

The board focused its inquiry on site topography and the potential impact on cemetery grounds. Alustin Pototts noted that the challenging landscape, which rises from 98 to 124 feet in elevation, necessitated the wall to stabilize the slope and protect the structure. Ed Conroy sought clarity on the preservation of existing plots, asking, no graves have to be moved for this, right? Pototts confirmed the station would be located in a currently treed area, separate from burial sites. David Peck expressed technical concerns regarding the wall’s integrity and water management, stating, I see the little kind of weepholes you have, but it would seem to me we need a foundation drain and a place for it to go. Peck also inquired about roof drainage and site runoff to ensure all water capture was properly accommodated.

The discussion grew complex as the board analyzed confusing language in the engineering department's report regarding a "right of way" on town land. Tom Wallace questioned the ambiguity of the plans and the report, remarking, So where's the right away? So we're going around in circles here. Like who's on first? What's on third? Does anyone know what they're talking about this right away? Michael Leary suggested a path forward that wouldn't delay the applicant while ensuring technical compliance, noting, I'd like to approve it if the board says and just have the plan redone to the satisfaction of the building department so they don't have to come back to us. Chair Michael Main, who successfully read the public notice without his spectacles, joked, I did that all without my glasses.

Ultimately, the board moved to approve the special permit with several conditions, including a revised drainage plan, clarified property markings, and a formal letter of approval from the Cemetery Commission. Motion Made by Michael Leary to approve case number 4202 with the three conditions and any and with Spencer doing the rewrite. Vote Passed 5-0. The meeting was adjourned.