Yarmouth planning board approves mixed‑use redevelopment at 645 Route 28 with four affordable units

The Yarmouth Planning Board voted April 15 to approve VCOD site plan SPR 2025‑1, permitting the demolition of an existing restaurant at 645 Route 28 and construction of a two‑story mixed‑use building containing 11 residential units and two commercial spaces.

John Lavelle of Baxter Nye Engineering told the board the 0.94‑acre site will lose about 3,100 square feet to a MassHighway taking at the front, and that the proposal reduces total impervious area, routes stormwater to an on‑site sediment forebay and Cultech infiltration chambers, and locates parking behind the building with a new curb cut on Appleby Road. Architect Bob Boynton said the project includes ten one‑bedroom units (about 750 sq ft each) and one two‑bedroom unit (about 1,250 sq ft), and that four of the units will be affordable.

Planner Kathy reviewed recommended conditions for approval: the two parcels must be legally combined; the project must provide four affordable units in compliance with zoning bylaw 412 and the grant agreement with the Yarmouth Municipal Affordable Housing Trust; a long‑term stormwater operations and maintenance plan must be submitted to and implemented by the identified responsible party; the planting legend must show minimum planting heights per section 414.8.9.6; and a revised photometric plan showing foot‑candles at property lines (section 414.8.10) must be submitted prior to the ZBA application. Kathy said the Affordable Housing Trust contribution tied to the project is about $450,000.

Board members asked about the size of the proposed restaurant (roughly 20 seats), sign locations (building‑mounted and a front monument sign), flood‑elevation measures (slab with finished floor raised above flood elevation), and the potential for future EV chargers; applicants said EV charging could be added later but is not required. The board also discussed the look of Route 28 and members praised the design for replacing a longstanding vacant building.

Chair Joanne Crowley moved approval subject to the six conditions the board outlined; the motion passed on a voice vote. The board directed staff to file the decision with the town clerk; the planner noted any relief for dimensional issues will be sought through the Zoning Board of Appeals.