Lakeville boards weigh open‑space zoning to block 40B buildout on Rocky Woods parcel

The Town of Lakeville Planning Board and several town commissions on Dec. 26 discussed a developer proposal to pursue an Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) zoning change for the roughly 300‑acre Rocky Woods parcel as an alternative to a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit. Planning Board Chair Michelle McEachern said the developer has “decided to put it on hold until after spring 2025 town meeting” and would pursue OSRD only if voters approve the bylaw.

The proposal as presented would allow up to about 204 (the developer later referenced 214) housing units on approximately 308 acres, including about 36 single‑family lots and 68 duplexes targeted for 55+ residents. Under the developer’s concept, single‑family lots would be no smaller than 15,000 square feet, the plan would add a third access on County Street, and a wastewater treatment plant would serve parts of the project. The developer also indicated willingness to phase build‑out and to enter a development agreement with the town before town meeting.

Why it matters: the parcel is large and includes wetlands, upland outcrops and sites the Narragansett tribal representative and conservation members said have cultural and ecological value. The boards and residents framed the choice as: accept a locally governed OSRD and try to negotiate protections and a development agreement, or allow the developer to resume the Chapter 40B process, which can preempt local bylaws and would be decided by the Zoning Board of Appeals and state review.

Discussion highlights

• Planning and process: McEachern (Planning Board) told…