Planning board approves new Pilgrim Pines bathhouse, grants 5‑year site‑plan approval

The Swansea Planning Board on an evening in February accepted a site‑plan application and approved construction of a seasonal bathhouse at Pilgrim Pines, 220 West Shore Road, granting both a waiver for certain checklist items and a five‑year approval period to allow time for fundraising.

Civil engineer Chad Brandon of Fieldstone Land Consultants presented the application on behalf of the applicant and described the proposal as ‘‘about 2,090 square feet’’ and ‘‘an upgrade over the existing structure’’ that would be ADA accessible and seasonal. Brandon said the project site covers just over 85 acres, the proposed building would sit roughly 250 feet from Swansea Lake, and the project would add three parking spaces adjacent to the new structure while converting the old bathhouse to storage.

The board found the submission complete after Brandon walked members through the site‑plan checklist and a requested waiver. The waiver sought relief from the requirement to map physical features and uses of land within 200 feet of the proposed improvement; Brandon said the applicant had instead provided detailed information around the immediate project area and requested the waiver because the parcel is more than 85 acres with limited immediate abutter detail around the proposed facility. Michael York moved to grant the waiver and the board voted in favor.

Brandon told the board the applicant does not expect immediate construction and ‘‘this bathhouse is not going to get constructed right off. There's going to be [a] fundraising campaign’’ and asked the board to consider an approval longer than the standard one‑year term. Planning board members discussed that site‑plan regulations normally limit approval to one year with a one‑year extension but agreed to waive that limit for this case. The board voted to grant a five‑year approval that the motion specified would apply to completion of construction (not merely substantial start).

Board members and staff noted no state shoreline or additional septic approvals were required because the replacement would not increase septic loading, and the applicant said utility tie‑ins (water and septic) would use existing infrastructure. The approval included standard conditions: adherence to the plan set, required building permits and inspections, and that longer‑term conditions (for example, any required state permits) be obtained before issuing building permits.

The board recorded no roll‑call tallies in the transcript; motions were approved by voice vote from members present.

The decision leaves the applicant time to fundraise and proceed with design and permitting; the board flagged that building permits and inspections will still be required and that any future changes to the plan must return to the planning board.

The planning board's actions also included updating the minutes and routine administrative items prior to and following the hearing.