Trilogy Tiverton presents two alternatives to approved master plan; board weighs age‑restricted option vs. comprehensive‑permit path

Trilogy Tiverton LLC presented two alternative concept plans for a property at the corner of Main Road and Souza Road that previously received master‑plan approval. Attorney Matthew Landry described changes in market demand since the site’s 2023 approval and said the owner is considering a reduced‑density, age‑restricted mixed‑use community with a single 2,400‑square‑foot commercial building on Main Road, or alternatively pursuing a comprehensive‑permit (40‑unit) application that would require a 25% deed‑restricted low/moderate‑income component.

Option 1: Age‑restricted mixed‑use—The applicant said the age‑restricted proposal would reduce residential density (the applicant estimated about 37 units under this option) while retaining a small commercial space and conforming to the pedestrian‑friendly overlay. Landry and design consultant Chris Duhamel described designs that give Souza Road a residential street frontage with rear‑loaded garages and front porches. The applicant said the age‑restricted route may require overlay or zoning relief and would not generate the affordable‑housing units tied to a comprehensive permit.

Option 2: Comprehensive permit—The second option would be filed under the state comprehensive‑permit provisions and provide 40 units, including 10 deed‑restricted affordable units (25%). The applicants said this route would obligate the project to provide the required LMI units and follow the comp‑permit density calculations.

Board members asked for clarification about how much zoning relief the age‑restricted option would require, whether a hybrid approach (age‑restricted plus some deed‑restricted units) was feasible, parking, fire access, sidewalks and water and sewer availability. Members noted the site’s steep grade and existing retaining walls near Main Road that complicate adding residential units above commercial space. North Tiverton and Stonebridge water concerns and the need for documented fire flow and hydrant capacity were discussed; board members said the town would require engineering and hydraulic modeling from the water providers. The board expressed support for the age‑restricted, design‑focused option as a possible improvement over earlier mixed‑use layouts but asked the applicant to return with engineering details, parking and emergency‑access plans.