ZBA approves special permit for 7 Saint Mary Square to allow retail and four apartments

The Taunton Zoning Board of Appeals on Nov. 7 approved a special permit under section 440-503 to change the use of the former driving school at 7 Saint Mary Square to retail in conjunction with four apartments, a barbershop and a second retail shop.

Property owner Brian Levesque told the board he bought the building when the barbershop occupied the center space and two end spaces were vacant. He said one end spot is now leased to a retail operation (designer sneakers) and the other was recently remodeled; the owner said tenants were denied a permit because the space had not been formally designated for the proposed use, so he sought the special permit to regularize the change.

Levesque said the driving school space had been vacant for more than two years and described a plan to have tenants occupy the space if the permit is approved and the 20-day waiting period passes — potentially by December. He also said there has been interest in adding a Western Union service in one of the retail spaces.

City departments recorded no objections: communications, conservation, the Board of Health, fire, water and engineering reported no comment or no objection; city water service had no additional comments. Public comment produced no statements for or against the permit. A motion to approve passed on a roll-call vote: Steve—yes; Craig—yes; John—yes; George—yes.

The board approved the special permit as requested. The petitioner was advised to follow up with staff on paperwork and permits and to observe the 20-day waiting period before occupancy.