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Scituate panel approves plan amendment to allow business use at 1160 Traumas Hill Road
Summary
The Scituate Planning Commission and Town Council approved a comprehensive-plan amendment and zone-map change for Lot 55 at 1160 Traumas Hill Road to allow a Business General split that would enable events and liquor-license applications at a farm winery.
The Scituate Planning Commission and Town Council approved a proposed amendment to the town’s comprehensive plan and a related zoning shift for Lot 55, 1160 Traumas Hill Road, to permit a split of RR-120 and BG (Business General) zoning, shrinking the RR portion and allowing business uses at the front of the lot.
The Planning Commission reported an advisory recommendation that the revised request — changed from an initial BL request to BG — is consistent with the comprehensive plan because BG zoning already abuts the parcel, the commission’s representative said. "That application was found to be consistent," the Planning Commission representative told the joint meeting. The commission moved and approved a finding of consistency by voice vote.
Applicant Michael DeFazio told the council the change is intended to allow events at his farm winery without changing the property's rural character. "He is going to attempt to change the zone so that he will be in a position where he could apply for a liquor and events license ... He intends on keeping the area rural," DeFazio said during his remarks.
Council members asked staff and counsel about follow-up approvals required to host liquor-served events. Town staff explained a special-use permit and, separately, a liquor-license review would be required; certain single-day events would still need one-day (Class F) licenses that come before the council. "If they're looking for specific individual events, they would have to come to the council for those event licenses," a town attorney said.
A resident, Richard Finnegan, spoke in favor of the change, saying the town needs additional tax revenue and local business opportunities. Concerns submitted in a letter from the Providence Water Supply Board were raised; Planning Commission Chair Jeff said he had reviewed the letter, found it nonspecific, and expressed no concern given adjacent BG zoning.
After the Planning Commission’s motion to find the map amendment consistent, the Town Council moved, seconded and approved the public hearing matter; the council also handled the related licensing procedural steps. The approvals are advisory/initial and do not by themselves grant a liquor license or event permit. Future special-use permitting, site-plan review, and licensing processes will provide additional opportunities for conditions or restrictions.
