The Marshfield Zoning Board of Appeals tackled a complex agenda Tuesday night, headlined by a preliminary hearing for the Drosopoulos family’s ambitious Grant Rock village revitalization. The proposal seeks to construct a mixed-use development at 239-287 Ocean Street, featuring residential units, commercial space, and the relocation of the Venus II and The Hop restaurants. Chair Brian Murphy opened the discussion by establishing the meeting's protocol, noting, we will hear from the applicant, then we'll hear from the town council, building commissioner, and the board. Before the presentation began, board member Grover Hensley Jr. recused himself as an abutter, stating, I would like to abstain from this. Tensions rose when applicant attorney Jonathan Silverstein requested that Stephen Lynch also recuse himself due to perceived bias against multi-family housing, arguing it would not be possible for us to have an impartial hearing. Lynch refused, asserting, I was appointed to this board to uphold the zoning laws of Marshfield without fear nor favor unbiased and without impartially.

The project, which involves a elevated FEMA platform 12 feet above grade, faces a significant hurdle regarding town-mandated parking requirements. Engineer Rick Grady emphasized the significance of the investment, remarking, It’s taken 12 years to get somebody to commit to making this move and happen and move this up above the flood plane. Architect Gary Laapouri detailed the aesthetic goals, explaining, This building is not one facade that's flat and with punch windows. A central conflict emerged over a bylaw requiring residential parking to be elevated, which Silverstein called economically and practically impossible. Jean Lee and Mack Brothers both participated in the procedural roll call, each stating I to support the continuation of the hearing. **Motion Made by Brian Murphy to move 2570 Drosopoulos family 239 to 287 Ocean Street to January 27, 2026. Vote Passed 6-0**

In other business, David and Lisa Pots successfully obtained a special permit for a master bedroom addition at 2193 Main Street. David Pots explained the design, stating, we're not changing the roof line or creating any height difference as they extend an existing A-frame. Larry Keane reviewed the hand-drawn sketches and concluded, I'm good. **Motion Made by Brian Murphy to approve the petitioner's application for a special permit based on the finding that the applicants can to construct a 20ft by 32 ft addition on the property located at 2193 Main Street. Vote Passed 6-0** as Eric Murphy cast a supporting I vote. Additionally, Cherabs Child Development Center received a site plan approval waiver to replace sections of their glass storefront at 260 Main Street.

The board also addressed environmental and zoning concerns for two other local projects. A petition from Southshore Habitat for Humanity to build a new dwelling at 1929 Main Street was delayed after officials noted the property sits in an inland wetland overlay district. Rob Carlo of Grady Consulting noted the structure is existing non-conforming to property line sepex, while Dick Halverson clarified structural questions by confirming, yes, that is a bulkhead. **Motion Made by Brian Murphy to continue Southshore Habitat for Humanity 1929 Main Street to January 13, 2026. Vote Passed 7-0** Finally, the board met with attorney Melissa Sullivan regarding Milkond Realty Trust, who noted, we recently have retained a new engineer, Brian Taylor from SEC and Taylor, to resolve zoning conflicts on Plain Street. Applicant Nick Drosopoulos concluded the evening's testimony by inquiring about the potential to split parcels, asking, if we separate the properties is that eliminate the special permanent mixeduse for planning board?