Scituate Town Meeting Backs $22.5M Capital Plan, MBTA Zoning Changes

Voters support investments in water and sewer infrastructure, modify bylaws to align with state mandates for MBTA communities

SCITUATE, MA - April 8 - The town of Scituate voted to appropriate $22,575,255 for the capital improvement plan during its annual town meeting on Apr. 8. The plan includes funding for water main replacements, a new water storage tank, and the design and engineering of the North Scituate sewer expansion.

The capital improvement plan, submitted in accordance with Section 6-6 of the Scituate Town Charter, aims to address the town's critical infrastructure needs. Andrew Goodrich, a member of the Select Board, highlighted the importance of the plan, stating, "We're looking at approximately two more miles of water mains to be replaced in town."

Goodrich also emphasized the town's commitment to improving water quality and pressure through the construction of a new $3.3 million storage tank on Maple Street. Additionally, he noted the $2.2 million allocated for the design and engineering of the North Scituate sewer expansion, saying, "This is a commitment from us to make sure that this expansion will get done."

The Capital Planning Committee and the Advisory Committee both recommended the approval of the capital improvement plan, with the majority of items receiving unanimous support. The town meeting ultimately approved the plan with a unanimous vote.

In addition to the capital improvement plan, Scituate amended its zoning bylaws to comply with the Massachusetts State mandated Section 3A for MBTA communities. The changes allow for multifamily housing as of right near transit stations in the town's Greenbush and North Scituate villages.

Karen Joseph, the town planner, explained that the amendments were necessary for Scituate to remain compliant with state requirements. "Because of the town's early adoption of multifamily housing by the two commuter rail stations, the town needs to make minor housekeeping amendments to the zoning bylaws," she said.

The zoning changes include increasing the by-right density in three Greenbush subdistricts from 12 to 15 dwelling units per acre, adding two mandatory mixed-use districts, and clarifying the pedestrian frontage zone requirements. The Planning Board and the Select Board both supported the amendments, with the latter voting 4-0 in favor.

Maura Curran, Chair of the Select Board, emphasized the importance of complying with the state requirements to ensure Scituate remains eligible for grant funding. "We weren't willing to give up the grant money that the state could withhold from any town or city that doesn't come into compliance," she said.

Town Administrator Jim Boudreau further highlighted the significance of state grants for Scituate, noting that since 2018, the town has received more than $17 million from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for various projects. He warned that non-compliance could put future grants at risk, including a $5.9 million grant for seawall construction.

The town meeting approved the zoning amendments with a two-thirds majority vote, ensuring Scituate's compliance with state requirements and its continued eligibility for essential grant funding.