Planning board approves 16‑foot common driveway on Mendel Road with setback condition

The Acushnet Planning Board approved a special permit for a 16‑foot common driveway to service three lots on Mendel Road, imposing a condition tied to the 75‑foot setback in the town bylaws.

Dave DeBiggan, representing the Knox family, outlined a design that follows historic contours and includes crushed‑stone swales, two hammerhead turnouts requested by the fire chief, culverts and detention features incorporated into individual lots for stormwater recharge. He noted peer review by Merrill Engineering and that conservation permits for buffer work were already issued. "This project was peer reviewed by Merrill Engineering," DeBiggan said during his presentation.

The board added a special permit condition requiring the house shown for Lot 18H to be moved or to secure a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals so the house would meet the 75‑foot setback; the decision and condition will be recorded at the registry. The board voted to approve the special permit by voice vote.