As a Plymouth resident who cares deeply about our community, I am very concerned about the Pulte 40B project proposed for the Prince Street/Hedges Road neighborhood in North Plymouth. Adding three buildings with a total of 163 condo units in this small area is, to me, egregious. It would bring traffic far beyond what our roads can handle, increase risks for families walking their children to school, and place additional strain on Town services and public safety resources. This project would forever alter the character of North Plymouth and the quality of life in this tight-knit neighborhood.
Yet the developer has described the project as an asset to the town.
Projects developed under Chapter 40B are notoriously difficult to challenge, as they can override local zoning bylaws under the guise of providing a limited number of “affordable” units. The Plymouth Select Board opposed this project from the beginning, asking the state not to approve it. We cited the fact that Plymouth has built more housing units than any other community in Massachusetts — except Boston and Cambridge. Unfortunately, that appeal was denied.
But it doesn’t mean we can’t continue to oppose this project and try to minimize the impact it will have on our Town. You can help. The Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a series of hearings on the Pulte project; the next one is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 20 and will focus on traffic. (Note: Check the meetings schedule on the Town website next week as agenda items may change.) Public comment is encouraged at these hearings, and speakers can voice their concerns for three minutes each. Please attend if you can — to share your opinion or simply to stand in support of our North Plymouth neighbors. I hope to see you there.
– Deb Iaquinto
Iaquinto is a member of the Plymouth Select Board.