The Cohasset Planning Board unanimously endorsed a plan to divide a vintage property at 46-50 Doan Street during its meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The session, which was the only public hearing on the agenda, focused on an "Approval Not Required" (ANR) proposal to split a single L-shaped lot containing two uninhabitable 1940s-era homes into two separate, conforming lots. Dylan Brady of Grady Consulting, representing property owner John Carlson, explained the straightforward nature of the request. "The existing lot was created in 1947 I believe, with buildings around that same time," Brady stated. "ANR is proposing to separate these two lots with this lot line created down the middle." Both newly created lots will meet all current zoning requirements in the Village District.

Board members questioned the historical status of the structures and the owner's future intentions for the property. Board Member Amy Glassmire asked about potential preservation issues, stating, "I'm curious whether or not there is any additional historic conditions that might underpin the change that you're planning to make." Board Member Deirdra Hobson noted the condition of the existing buildings, asking, "These buildings are a wreck, so they're coming down. We're building new buildings there... new homes?" Brady confirmed he believed that was the owner's intent. Board Member Fish pressed for clarity on the project's goal, asking directly, "Why do you want to do the ANR? Why do you want to split this property into two?" After a brief discussion on the complexities of rebuilding on a pre-existing non-conforming footprint, the board moved to a vote.

Following a motion by Deirdra Hobson, the board endorsed the plan. Motion Made by Deirdra Hobson to approve the ANR for 46 and 50 Dome Street, this 5th day of November, 2025. Motion Passed 4-0. The board also handled administrative tasks, approving meeting minutes from two previous sessions. Motion Made by Kevin Hine to approve the October 1st and October 15th meeting minutes. Motion Passed 4-0. Before closing the public portion of the meeting, Town Planner Cassandra Thayer reminded members of a November 14 deadline to provide feedback to the state on new model bylaws for solar and battery storage. Chair Kevin Hine encouraged his colleagues to review the documents carefully. "They do start relying on other things that are out there... our town has some bylaws with regard to some of the other things it relies on, and in other areas, it probably doesn't. And those could be gaps that we don't want to leave open," Hine cautioned.

The meeting concluded as the board voted to enter a private executive session to discuss ongoing litigation. Motion Made by Kevin Hine to go into executive session pursuant to G.L. chapter 30A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to litigation... The board will discuss and strategize regarding Weatherbane Builders LLC versus Town of Cohasset Planning Board Land Court case number 25 miscellaneous 000581 (MDV) regarding the denial of a common driveway special permit for 40-46 Palm Street. Motion Passed 4-0.