Developers told to revise 43–49 South Street design after neighbors object; review continued to July 8

Thomas Moore, representing the developer for 43–49 South Street, presented a plan for a new single‑family home with an accessory dwelling unit and a Greek‑style gable facing the street. Moore said the design responds to the site constraints and past approvals in the area, but several neighbors and commission members said the facade and dormers do not fit the historic capes across the street.

“Some of the neighbors thought that the new design might be compatible with the capes, but this design is, is not,” said Mary Kurtz, a nearby resident, urging the commission to seek a design more consistent with the street. Eli Whitney, another resident, asked the commission to deny the application as submitted and require a more suitable design before approving it.

Commission members questioned the front facade, the forward‑facing garage doors and the dormer treatments, saying the house’s massing and stylistic details are out of step with the nearby capes. Thomas Moore and builder Jack Scott said they would explore simplifying the trim, substituting dog‑house dormers for some shed dormers and reorienting or repositioning the ADU/garage where feasible. Scott noted wetland and septic constraints limit how far the house can be pushed back on the lot.

After discussion, the commission voted to continue the application to the July 8 meeting so the applicant can return with revised plans that respond to the board’s concerns about facade composition, massing and trim.

The continuation leaves open whether the commission will request a specific façade revision (for example, a less ornate trim package or altered dormer geometry) or accept a redesigned front that better reflects the block’s prevailing Cape Cod character.