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Planning Board approves two special permits and sets meeting calendar; several hearings continued to Sept. 9
Summary
The board approved special permit and site‑plan review votes for an indoor escape‑room business at 400 Franklin St. and a relocation of Bayshore Athletic Club to 160 Granite St., and continued multiple ongoing hearings — including the Plains Street redevelopment and a retaining wall application — to Sept. 9 for decisions and draft findings.
At its Aug. 12 meeting the Braintree Planning Board took a series of procedural and permit votes on smaller but active agenda items and set the next continuation date for multiple public hearings.
Votes at a glance
- 400 Franklin Street (Escapology of Braintree LLC): The board closed the public hearing and voted to approve the special permit and site‑plan review for an indoor escape‑room business in an existing 3,977‑square‑foot retail unit. The board directed planning staff to draft a decision for formal adoption at the Sept. 9 meeting. Attorney Carl Johnson and applicant Donnie McLaren described operational details and safety practices; Mr. McLaren said similar facilities operate in Tewksbury and Waltham and that the rooms are ADA‑adjustable. The applicant indicated intentions to apply for a liquor license; the board noted any alcohol service would require appropriate review and conditions.
- 160 Granite Street (Bayshore Athletic Club relocation): The board closed the hearing and voted to approve the special permit and site‑plan review to allow the interior rehabilitation of the former retail space for a commercial fitness club. The applicant, Timothy Dowling, said he intends to move his long‑standing business to the Granite Street location; staff will draft a written decision for the Sept. 9 meeting.
Procedural continuations and minutes
- The board approved the July 8 meeting minutes. - The board continued multiple public hearings and ongoing items (including the large 10 Plains Street proposal and a retaining‑wall/grading permit at 55 King Hill Road) to Sept. 9 to allow staff to prepare draft decisions, incorporate peer reviews and to give applicants time to submit follow‑up materials.
What this means: The board’s approvals for 400 Franklin and 160 Granite were conditional on standard site‑plan and public‑safety findings; staff will prepare draft decisions for the board to sign at the next meeting. Larger matters remain under review and will return with peer‑review materials and revised plans.
