Plymouth's Select Board has taken a significant step towards addressing local housing needs and infrastructure improvements by endorsing a new 40B housing project proposed by Claremont Companies. During the meeting on December 17, 2024, the board voted to support the project, which aims to develop a multi-family housing complex at Colony Place, a site that has remained undeveloped since the area's inception.

The proposed development will consist of approximately 300 units, shifting from an earlier plan for a 55-and-older community to a broader 40B project. This change was prompted by legal challenges and the need for a more expedited approval process. The 40B designation allows developers to bypass certain local zoning regulations, facilitating quicker construction timelines while also contributing to the town's affordable housing stock.

A key component of the proposal includes the construction of a booster pump, estimated to cost $2.75 million. This infrastructure improvement is crucial for ensuring adequate water supply and redundancy, particularly during peak demand periods such as summer droughts. The board emphasized that without this enhancement, future economic development in the area could face significant challenges.

The Select Board's endorsement is not just a formality; it comes with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the commitments made by Claremont, including the construction of the booster pump. This agreement aims to protect the town's interests and ensure that the developer cannot later claim the project is economically unfeasible.

While the board expressed a general reluctance towards 40B developments, they acknowledged the necessity of this project given the existing legal landscape and the potential benefits it brings to the community. The approval now moves to the Zoning Board of Appeals, where further discussions and approvals will take place.

In conclusion, the Select Board's support for the Claremont Companies' 40B project marks a proactive approach to addressing housing shortages and infrastructure needs in Plymouth, setting the stage for future growth and development in the area.