Acushnet: Zoning Board of Appeals Sept. 17, 2026

The Acushnet Zoning Board of Appeals met on September 17, 2026, at the police station conference room at 64 Middle Road. After approving the minutes from their August 20, 2026 meeting, the board addressed two related applications for 224 Perry Hill Road (Map 8, Lot 35A) owned by Nathan J. and Carissa E. Deree. The applicants were represented by engineer Dave Davignon. The first item was a continued variance application (Case 202618A) seeking relief from the 75-foot sideline setback required for a retreat lot, proposing a 40.7-foot setback to construct a detached two-car garage.

Abutter Janine Bland of 220 Perry Hill Road voiced strong opposition to the garage and the commercial activity on the property. She raised concerns about business vehicles, dumpsters, and materials along the common driveway, arguing that such uses violated the character and deed restrictions of their retreat lots. In response, Nathan Deree noted that his electrical business had operated there for years without formal complaints and pointed out storage containers maintained by the abutter. Because the proposed garage was intended to house work vans, the board temporarily tabled the variance to open the applicants' second petition (Case 20260917A/20260919) seeking a special permit to allow three commercial vehicles rather than the one permitted by right.

After a brief recess, the applicants formally withdrew their variance request for the garage setback without prejudice, which the board unanimously approved. The board then deliberated on the special permit for the commercial vehicles. Although Bland requested a continuance to consult legal counsel, the board and applicant proceeded with deliberation. Members discussed the feasibility of restricting the permit strictly to Deree's electrical business with limits on vehicle sizes so it would not set an open precedent or transfer to future owners. A motion was made, seconded, and voted upon to approve the special permit for the two additional commercial vehicles.

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