Planning Board Grants Special Permit for Duplex Project at 116–118 Canal Street

The Town of Blackstone Planning Board voted unanimously to grant a special permit for a two‑family development at 116–118 Canal Street following a public hearing and a presentation by the applicants.

Applicants Phil Bregeli and Jeremy Valerino presented a packet of materials including a zoning map, overhead plans and updated photos of adjacent properties. Bregeli said the proposed buildings “meet the neighborhood” and that the two‑family fronts were designed to resemble existing nearby homes. He told the board the proposal meets the overlay district’s minimum setback and that the team had updated the plans to show future curb cuts when the town’s moratorium is lifted.

Board members asked about village compatibility and façade details, including whether to require chimneys or fence lines to match older mill‑worker houses. The applicants said they would use modest, low shrubs along the street and that the two‑family fronts are intended to blend with neighboring properties. On driveway access, the applicants said actual curb cuts could not be made until a town moratorium is lifted; they agreed to show the curb‑cut locations on recorded plans and to place written deed conditions so future buyers must complete the curb cuts.

After questions and no further public comment, the board closed the hearing and moved to grant the special permit. Chair Owen Smith read procedures for appeals and recording: the decision must be filed with the town clerk and, if no appeal is taken, recorded at the registry of deeds. The board reminded the applicant the permit rights lapse if not exercised within one year unless a written extension is granted.

The board also noted that recording the decision and any conditions — including the deed restriction for future curb cuts — will be the applicant’s responsibility before building permits are finalized. The board’s announcement instructs applicants to follow appeal timelines under state law.