Norton Planning Board withdraws lone permit application, bids farewell to two members

Planning Board · Meeting of April 7, 2026

Norton Planning Board unanimously withdraws the only permit on its April 7 agenda as two long-serving members step down. The board voted 6-0 to accept a withdrawal without prejudice of Site Plan Review 9 and Special Permit 17 for Zero West Main Street, where SRO Development, LLC — represented by Michael Larkin — had sought to build 35 units and 65 parking spaces but is revising its plans. Departing member Eric, using publicly available audit data from 2016 through 2024, warned that Norton's commercial tax share of roughly 18 percent — against a recommended minimum of 25 percent — leaves the town on a "downward spiral" if schools and services are cut.

Member Paul previewed a proposal to require fiscal impact studies for all special permit applications, saying the board is "fighting blind" without hard numbers on how projects affect fire, police, and other services. Tim Griffin, who served approximately nine years, and Eric, who served approximately three, cast the final vote of the evening — a unanimous motion to adjourn.

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Source: the Planning Board meeting of April 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.