Pembroke Planning Board Formally Accepts Town Master Plan After Multi-Year Process

PEMBROKE -- June 24, 2024, Pembroke Planning Board unanimously accepts long-awaited master plan, closes parking permit for local restaurant. The board voted Monday to formally accept the town's comprehensive master plan, developed by consulting firm VHB with lead consultant Luke Mitchell, following a multi-year process that included two public meetings, an online survey, and a collaboration committee of local officials. The 200-plus-page document spans seven chapters covering land use, housing, economic development, historic resources, open space, public facilities, and transportation, with goals ranging from updating a 2018 housing production plan to rethinking the 60-foot commercial setback requirements along Route 3. Select Board member Steve Ciciotti, who also served on the Master Plan Collaboration Committee, asked VHB to provide an editable version of the document so the town can incorporate outstanding items. The board also approved conditions and waivers for a special permit allowing Tavern and Treehouse at 244 Mattakeesett Street to add roughly 3,091 square feet of gravel valet parking, bringing total on-site capacity to 99 spaces, a 43 percent increase over current operations.