Pulte proposes million-dollar improvements amid Plymouth housing project discussions

The Plymouth Select Board meeting on December 10, 2024, focused heavily on a proposed housing development by Pulte Homes, which has sparked significant discussion regarding traffic impacts and community safety. The board is considering a letter of support for the project, which would allow Pulte to move forward with a comprehensive permit application at the state level.

Key concerns were raised about the potential traffic increase and safety issues related to the development, particularly regarding emergency response times for the local fire department. The North Plymouth Circulation Study highlighted these issues, prompting Pulte to prioritize safety in their planning. Board members expressed skepticism about the adequacy of the proposed $1 million in mitigation efforts, questioning whether it would sufficiently address the long-term traffic impacts of the new housing units.

Lee Hartman, the town's director of planning and development, explained that while the letter of support would facilitate the project’s progression, it does not guarantee approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The ZBA retains significant discretion and could impose additional mitigation requirements. However, if Pulte finds these requirements unreasonable, they could appeal to the state, which historically tends to favor housing developments.

The discussion also touched on the concept of "safe harbor," which would allow the town to reject future 40B projects if certain housing quotas are met. However, the current proposal alone does not meet the threshold for safe harbor, leaving the town vulnerable to additional developments.

As the meeting concluded, board members emphasized the importance of ensuring that any improvements made as part of the development are thoroughly overseen to prevent corners from being cut. The collaborative approach proposed by Pulte was acknowledged, but concerns about the long-term implications of the project on community infrastructure and safety remain at the forefront of the board's considerations.