Taunton council weighs conservation land swap, 29-unit development on Winthrop Street
The Taunton City Council was scheduled to vote on a Home Rule Petition that would transfer conservation parcels for roadwork on Scadding Street and Route 79, while also setting a public hearing for a 29-unit mixed-use project with a coffee shop. Across other boards, a Title 5 variance for a regional high school, a downtown four-story rebuild, and water and sewer rate reviews highlight a busy stretch of local government meetings.
Land swap for Scadding Street and Route 79
On June 30, the City Council’s agenda included a Home Rule Petition to transfer two conservation parcels to make way for road improvements on Scadding Street and Rhode Island Road (Route 79). The parcels would be replaced with land on Fisher Street. The matter was first aired in a June 23 committee meeting. No minutes have been published, so the outcome of the council’s vote is not yet available.
Mixed-use development on Winthrop Street
That same June 30 session, the council planned a public hearing on a special permit for 477‑485 Winthrop Street — a 29-unit mixed-use building that would include a 20-seat coffee shop and an auto repair space. A council vote was expected to follow the hearing.
High school construction variance
The Board of Health met June 23 to consider a Title 5 variance request from Consigli Construction Company for the Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical High School at 207 Hart Street. The agenda-only record provides no information on any action taken.
Planning Board faces 13-unit downtown rebuild
On July 9, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposal to reconstruct a fire-damaged building at 21 Fruit Street as a four-story mixed-use project. The developer is seeking approval for 13 one-bedroom apartments, one accessory dwelling unit, and commercial space, along with a 100 percent density bonus and a parking waiver that would reduce required spaces from 14 to six by using a municipal lot.
The board will also review site plans for a 23,750‑square‑foot addition at 555 Constitution Drive, a 19‑unit group home at 78 Broadway, and a machine-shop expansion at 36 Allison Avenue.
City appointments and payouts
On June 23, the City Council was set to reappoint Mark Pacheco as Director of Elections for a three-year term and to consider Todd Pilling as City Engineer. The June 30 agenda listed a buyout payout of $206.30 for resigning Water Meter Installer/Repair Joseph Wakefield, as well as the reappointments of Judith Chambers and Damian Martinez to the Golf Course Commission. Warren Offley’s reappointment to the same commission appears on the July 7 agenda.
Licensing and other business
A new Grade 1 personal kennel license for four to six dogs at 57R Worcester Street was on the council’s June 30 agenda; another for 21 Princess Pine Circle will be heard July 7. Renewals of late-night hours for two Wendy’s locations and a new livery license for 4S Family Transportation LLC were also under committee review.
TMLP finances and purchasing policies
The Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant Commission met June 23 to review 2025 financial performance and 2026 projections. Proposed changes to purchasing and fixed‑asset policies and a multi-unit dwelling rebate program were also on the docket.
Coming up
- **July 7**: City Council meetings will take up the personal kennel license at 21 Princess Pine Circle, the Golf Course Commission reappointment, water and sewer rates, road resurfacing on Highstone Street, and several infrastructure projects.
- **July 9**: The Planning Board holds a public hearing on the 21 Fruit Street redevelopment and site plan reviews for 555 Constitution Drive, 78 Broadway, and 36 Allison Avenue.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.