Lakeville ZBA approves modification for LeBaron Hills Phase 6 under 40B; residents press water and fire‑safety concerns

The Lakeville Zoning Board of Appeals on Sept. 18 approved a modification to the comprehensive permit for Phase 6 of the Residences at LeBaron Hills (Residences at LaMerrin Hills LLC), granting specific waivers under Chapter 40B and attaching roughly two dozen conditions — including affordability requirements for 18 units — while residents raised continuing concerns about water quality, water pressure for fire suppression and access to emergency services.

Town counsel summarized the decision and the conditions, saying the modification limits relief to Phase 6, preserves previously granted conditions from earlier decisions where not superseded, and requires final engineering, third‑party review paid by the applicant, and documentation of adequate water supply and wastewater capacity prior to building permits. Attorney Robert Mather, representing the petitioner, noted one late change to the decision to add Independence Day to a list of holidays during which construction is prohibited.

Amy Musseltown, town counsel, told the board that under Chapter 40B the presumption in favor of affordable…