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Commission approves Somerville rezoning for small retail center on Dorchester Road
Summary
Dorchester County planners approved RR954 to rezone 1.3 acres on Dorchester Road from Neighborhood Commercial to General Commercial to allow a small retail/service center; staff recommended approval and commissioners approved after applicant testimony and Q&A on access and buffering.
The Planning Commission approved rezoning request RR954 to change 1.3 acres at 10586 Dorchester Road in Somerville from CN (Neighborhood Commercial) to CG (General Commercial), clearing the way for a small retail and service center the applicant described as a retail strip serving local needs.
"This is our request to rezone 1.3 acres on Dorchester Road near the intersection of Dorchester and Baconsbridge, to general commercial for the purposes of developing a small retail and service center," said Planning staff, who recommended approval after noting the parcel fronts improved Dorchester Road and sits within a short walking distance of the intersection with Baconsbridge Road and existing commercial uses.
Applicant representatives Preston Mayo (Earth Source Engineering) and Julio Rossington (for Sunny Isle LLC) said conceptual plans position the main retail center adjacent to existing commercial development and could include limited food service options not permitted under the current CN designation. Commissioners asked about left‑turn/median access (applicant: no left‑turn lane; right‑turn only at the center) and about buffers between the new CG parcel and adjacent houses; staff noted a typical 25‑foot buffer that can be reduced to 15 feet with an opaque privacy fence.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve RR954. The vote was taken by voice and the motion passed.
Approved CG zoning will allow more retail options than the previous CN designation; any development will be subject to technical review for buffers, stormwater and parking, and may trigger a traffic study as part of permitting.
