The Planning Board opened two major Dover Amendment hearings on Oct. 15. Both the Coptic Church and the Carroll School presented plans that would substantially expand existing facilities while remaining exempt from local zoning under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 3. See articles on Church pg 10; School pg 1.
The board approved an Approval-Not-Required (ANR) plan merging three Carroll School parcels dated Aug. 12, 2025.
Members also approved an updated landscape plan for the Council on Aging/Community Center at 8 Andrew Ave., adding an aluminum fence to screen electrical equipment, and extended the project’s completion deadline to Jan. 13, 2026.
Town Planner Robert Hummel reported that revisions to the Charena Road Farm subdivision would reroute a water main to Old Connecticut Path, requiring a formal amendment and new public hearing.
Under updates, Hummel briefed the board on Sherman’s Bridge rehabilitation. Chair Lewis noted the board’s jurisdiction under the Scenic Road Bylaw is limited to tree and stone-wall removals. Residents spoke in favor of preserving the bridge’s historic character, while members agreed oversight rests with the Department of Public Works.
