Norwell ZBA Seeks Additional Traffic Info on Route 53 Project

The Norwell Zoning Board of Appeals has agreed to request a traffic study for the proposed mixed-use development at 144-148 Washington St., raising concerns about parking, circulation, and traffic impacts along busy Route 53.

Board members reached a consensus at their May 7 meeting to seek a traffic review before moving forward with the comprehensive permit application for the project, which includes eight residential units and 8,000 square feet of retail space.

“I think for the protection of the town, I think it ought to be explored at this point,” said Lois S. Barbour, chair of the board.

The applicant’s attorney, Peter Freeman, told the board a full traffic study may not be necessary given the small number of residential units and planned retail use.

“The traffic exists,” Freeman said. “We’re not going to create any significant increase at all.”

Greg Webb, the property owner, assured the board the retail portion will not include a restaurant, reducing the likelihood of high-traffic uses. “There will not be a restaurant there. I promise you,” Webb said.

However, board members emphasized the need for data to address cumulative impacts on Route 53 traffic and internal site circulation, particularly with parking spaces located at the front of the building.

“It’s more like how does everything also work within and amongst the other sites and everything else,” said John Chesia, the board’s peer review engineer.

The board and the applicant agreed the applicant would gather current traffic data from MassDOT and review internal parking circulation, potential shared access with adjacent properties, and delivery logistics. Members also expressed concern about whether a formal cross-easement agreement would be needed if parking lots were shared between parcels.

“I think we need to know whether there will be shared parking, whether there’s some kind of an easement, how you propose to make that work,” Barbour said.

The board’s decision followed a discussion of whether the scale of the project warranted a formal traffic review.

“I move we get a traffic report,” said board member Stephen Lynch.

The next public hearing on the project is scheduled for June 18 at the Norwell Public Library. In the meantime, the applicant will work with the board’s peer review engineer to address outstanding engineering, landscaping, and parking issues.