Zoning Board Hears 14-Unit Duplex Proposal; School and Select Boards Tackle Budgets and Construction

Whitman’s town boards convened a series of meetings over the past two weeks, with agendas spanning a major zoning variance request, school building project change orders, and potential Select Board approvals for a food pantry lease and budget transfers. Minutes for all meetings were still in preparation at press time, but agendas outlined a full slate of decisions and discussions.

Board of Appeals considers 14-unit project on Rye Hill Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals opened a public hearing June 29 on a petition from Ousamequin Realty Trust seeking variances and site plan approval to construct seven duplexes — 14 dwelling units — at 25 Rye Hill Street. The request seeks relief from Sections 240.5.4.A(12) and 240.7.3.C(4) of the town’s zoning bylaws. The application also required site plan approval under Section 240-7.2. A related meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals earlier that evening was scheduled to include review of a new zoning application for the same address.

Whitman Middle School building project change orders on table

The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee’s Middle School Building Committee held a public hearing June 23 to consider potential votes on Change Orders #8 and #9, along with AI3 Amendments #5. The agenda also included a financial review, an update on the project’s funding and schedule, and a discussion of a dedication plaque design. A separate June 26 meeting of the committee’s Warrant Subcommittee approved accounts payable, food services, payroll, and Whitman Middle School building project warrants; the minutes of that meeting were not yet published.

The full Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee was also set to vote June 24 on a bus contract and on extending the superintendent’s evaluation. Members were to enter executive session for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the director of special education. No outcomes were available.

Select Board faces Food Pantry lease, budget transfers

The Select Board met June 30 with an agenda that included line-item budget transfers and a vote on a lease for the Whitman Food Pantry at the former DPW Administration Building. Members were also slated to vote on summer concert permits for the Southeastern Philharmonic and WCC, accept a donation for the Animal Shelter from the Copeland Family Foundation, and review a proposed Town Hall Auditorium Usage Policy. Executive sessions were planned for personnel matters and a property lease discussion.

Downtown plan and economic development strategy presented

The Economic Development Committee received a presentation June 25 from the Old Colony Planning Council on the Downtown Whitman Revitalization Strategy. The committee also discussed solar and battery model bylaws, community placemaking events, and vacant properties, and considered updating the economic development section of the town’s strategic or master plan. Separately, the Old Colony Planning Council’s Economic Development Commission met June 30 to vote on additions to its CEDS Priority Projects List and to discuss the Whitman Downtown Master Plan.

Other board activity

• The Planning Board met June 23 to review site plans for 98 Cherry Street and 447 Harvard Street.
• The Board of Library Trustees discussed June 24 the reorganization of board officers after the town election, staffing changes, and a potential outdoor book drop funded partially by a grant.
• The Open Space and Recreation Plan Implementation Steering Committee prioritized 2026 goals June 25, identifying resources, assignments, and timelines.
• The South Shore Recycling Cooperative voted June 24 on its FY27 budget and the election of board members James Downey, Jean Landis Naumann, Arlene Dias, and Rachel Gerold.
• The South Shore Regional School District Committee was scheduled for an executive session July 2 regarding litigation strategy.

Coming up

• July 7: Conservation Commission hears a Request for Determination of Applicability for 16 Jacob Lane.
• July 8: Public Works Commission processes Saturday cemetery burial requests and interviews candidates for open positions.
• July 13: Whitman Housing Authority holds a public hearing on its proposed FY2027 Annual Plan, including a three-year capital improvement plan and operating budget.
• July 14: Whitman Finance Committee meets to discuss line-item transfers.

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.