The Pembroke Zoning Board of Appeals met to consider the River Marsh 40B project, and granted a continuance.
River Marsh, LLC is proposing a 56-unit development in 16 town-house style buildings on Water Street.
During Tuesday’s meeting, ZBA member Arthur Boyle wanted the board to deny the application. Citing a letter from Mass Housing, he said developer Brian Murphy was in default due to non-compliance.
Boyle said after the meeting he did not want to grant the applicants another extension.
“We’re dealing with somebody who can’t produce,” said Boyle. “It’s my contention that we should just stop the process, deny the development, and move on.”
The letter was dated September 21st and was signed by Jessica Malcolm, the Manager for the Planning and Programs Department. It says Mass Housing did not receive a cost examination for the Washington Woods project built in Norwell.
Effective August 6th, Murphy and William Murphy Jr. were suspended from further participation in the state’s 40B process.
By a 2-1 vote, Boyle says a continuance was granted. He feels it was a missed opportunity for the board.
“They did explain, both the chairman [Frederick Casavant] and member Chris McGrail did say that they agreed with the premise, but that they want to give them the opportunity to come in and make it right,” said Boyle. “I’m of the contention of how many times and how many shots, how many turns at the plate do you get? I think that this has been proven to be – it’s going to be a bad project if it’s built. It’s going to be a disaster for the North River.”
The next hearing was scheduled for October.
