The Marshfield Zoning Board of Appeals moved through several key residential applications on Tuesday night, focusing on design efficiency and long-term housing affordability. Chairperson Larry Keane opened the meeting by processing a series of continuations, including hearings for Southshore Habitat for Humanity and the Bruce Family Trust. After handling the procedural items, Keane noted the relatively smooth agenda, joking, I got to find a difficult one. The board quickly turned its attention to a minor modification for Marilyn White’s property at 25 Damon’s Point Circle, which involved shifting a new dwelling out of the flood zone. Ryan Murphy asked the board, Does anyone have any questions for our attorney? before members finalized the request to slide the house back on the lot and remove a handicap ramp that was no longer required due to internal design changes.

The most substantive portion of the meeting addressed the Bridal Crossing development by Maitland LLC. Attorney Amy Quessle detailed a revised comprehensive permit that replaces the previous homeowners association with a condominium association, a move intended to provide stronger oversight of the property's septic systems. Quessle also introduced a springing affordability affordable restriction to ensure the units remain affordable in perpetuity, even if state-level subsidies expire. Jean Lee sought clarification on the resale process, asking, So when someone buys the affordable condominium and they sell it to someone and they sell it to someone, how does it remain affordable? Quessle explained that deed restrictions recorded at the registry would cap future sale prices. Addressing the financial aspects of the modification, Mac Brothers noted that it wasn't an arbitrary number regarding a $56,000 figure in the agreement, which had been vetted by professional analysis.

Following the formal votes, the board engaged in a broader discussion regarding the future of zoning in Marshfield, drawing comparisons to recent difficulties in neighboring Scituate. Steve Bunch warned against the complexity of modern bylaws that can lead to unintended consequences, such as counting gravel driveways as impervious surfaces. They should really be listening to the engineers that deal with this stuff all the time, Bunch remarked, emphasizing that local workshops are necessary to find practical solutions before new rules are codified. The board expressed a commitment to holding joint workshops with the Planning Board to streamline local regulations and avoid the pitfalls seen in other communities.

Motion Made by Larry Keane to continue 2568 Southshore Habitat for Humanity to January 27, 2026. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Larry Keane to continue 2542 Dr. Bruce Trustee Bruce Family Trust to February 10, 2026. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Larry Keane to continue 2542A Matthew Bruce trustee Bruce family trust 8 Ocean Street to February 10, 2026. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Larry Keane to close the hearing for 2392 Marilyn White, 25 Damon’s Point Circle. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Larry Keane to approve the request as a minor modification to the original permit for 2392 Marilyn White. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Larry Keane to approve the substantial modification of the comprehensive permit to Maitland LLC. Vote Passed 5-0

Motion Made by Larry Keane to accept the minutes from December 9, 2025. Vote Passed 5-0