The Marion Planning Board met on Monday and began with a dedication to the memory of one of their members who recently passed.
Following the pledge, Chair Andrew Daniel offered a moment of silence followed by some words for member W. Dale Jones, who recently passed away. He said, “Dale’s a tremendous loss. He was in service to the town for over 40 years and had a multi-generational impact on the town, from his days in the (Marion) Fire Department and EMA, known as the ‘rescue rabbit.’ He was on multiple boards and multiple committees. His name is on many buildings in town, including this one we’re in now, the (Marion) Police Station, Sippican School, and also the newly constructed DPW building.” Other board members also gave their condolences and memories of Jones.
To fill the now-vacant seat on the Planning Board, applications are open for a temporary appointment. Residents can apply on the town’s website, marionma.gov, or drop off an application in person to the town’s annex headquarters at the former Lockheed Martin property off Route 6. The application period is closed on Tuesday, February 17, and the following day, Wednesday, February 18, there will be a hearing with the Select Board to make a final decision. City offices are closed Monday, February 16 for Presidents Day.
Daniel also said Administrative Assistant Olivia Prior had “moved on to greener pastures.” In speaking of her departure, he said, “she was the best assistant. She did a lot last year; she carried the year and was a huge help to me.”
Next, there was a Public Hearing for proposed amendments to Subdivision Regulations. As explained by Clerk Eileen J. Marum, the amendment for §300-3.10A Residential Compounds was to update internal section references. For §300-4.6 Stormwater Management, the amendment was to reference the newly adopted Stormwater Management Bylaw and associated rules and regulations. No members of the public were present to give comments.
Both amendments were approved by the board, and the amendments were made with two unanimous votes.
The board then discussed an Approval Not Required resolution for Toll Brothers Inc.’s lot at 78 Wareham Road. The organization’s Director of Land Development, Ted Merchant, spoke on behalf of Toll Brothers, who are now calling the subdivision “Marion Point.” This ANR was approved by the board.
Keeping with Toll Brothers, the board then discussed another Action Item: Approval of Bond Amount, Amend Major Site Plan, and Special Permit Decision for 78 Wareham Road. Merchant and his team had submitted a $5,000 bond estimate for further site planning. A cover sheet and a general overview layout plan of the project were promised by Toll Brothers. Merchant added that trees would begin to be removed before their next meeting. The bond amount was approved with a unanimous vote.
Marion Historic Commission Chair Meg Steinberg then asked the board for a Letter of Support for their pursuit of a grant to push for Marion to be added to a national registry of historic places. It follows the failure of the proposed Marion Historic District at last year’s Town Meeting. The designation wouldn’t come with any restriction, but would highlight and establish, in writing, Marion’s historic importance.
“It doesn’t restrict you in any way. You can still do whatever you want. We just thought it would be a form of recognition for public awareness and education,” said Steinberg.
It was noted that Marion already has two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places: Bird Island Lighthouse and the Ebenezer Holmes house at 46 Water Street. Vice-Chair of the Planning Board Alanna Nelson mentioned this designation may help the town receive grants in the future for historic preservation.
Joining the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) would impose no additional regulation or restrictions upon the town or its residents. It is merely a registry, or list, that the federal government offers signifying, “this area is worthy of historic preservation.”
After a lengthy discussion, the board tabled the matter. Members were divided on the subject, with Tucker Burr saying he feared the approval of this resolution would “tee up” the town to have another vote on a historic district in the future.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.
Marion Planning Board
By Sam Bishop