Bourne Planning Board Meeting – June 3, 2026

The Bourne Planning Board met on June 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Bourne Veterans Memorial Community Building. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting, granted a lot release, approved a site plan review for an educational expansion at Upper Cape Cod Technical School, discussed procedural improvements, and received an informal concept for redevelopment of the West End Rotary.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes (May 28, 2026): Motion to accept as printed by Jim, seconded by Mandy. Vote: Mandy (yes), Dave (yes), Jim (yes), Rob (yes), Catherine (yes – with no volume but visible affirmative), Amanda (abstain). Chair voted yes. Motion carried.

Discussion Items

• Request for Lot Release – 17 Ridge Hill Lane (Lot 10, Map 3, Parcel 259):

  • Applicant Nancy presented a routine request for release of a lot in an older 33-lot development. Three lots remain; this is one. The owner is Cape Sagamore Trust.
  • Motion to grant release by Jim, seconded by Rob. Vote: unanimous in favor. Lot release granted.

• Site Plan Review SDR Number 520 – 220 Sandwich Road (Upper Cape Cod Technical School):

  • Kevin, representing the school, presented plans for a 5,300 square foot wood structure (shop and classroom) to expand the horticulture program, funded by a $2 million state grant. The building would be placed on a flat, gravel area currently used for bus parking. Students would assist in construction.
  • Board members questioned the lack of detailed site plan, especially regarding vehicle maneuvering near a roll-up door, pedestrian access in wet weather, drainage, and utility connections. The applicant stated grading would be minimal, drainage is adequate, and equipment maneuvering has not been an issue.
  • Rob moved to approve with 12 findings and 11 conditions (including deferral to water district, erosion control, dust control, post-construction certification, and as-built plan). Catherine seconded.
  • Several board members expressed concern over the incomplete site plan but acknowledged the educational benefits and grant deadlines. Vote: unanimous in favor.

• Procedural Discussion:

  • Amanda raised concerns about receiving review materials (checklists, deliberation sheets) only on the afternoon of the meeting and not consistently to all members. Board members agreed that all submissions should be required 72 hours before hearings, and that checklists and review sheets should be shared with the full board in advance. The burden of proof is on applicants; incomplete submissions can be continued.

• Informal Concept – West End Rotary Redevelopment:

  • Jim shared a concept by Dan Dusett for a parking garage, transportation hub, and bike/pedestrian connectivity at the West End Rotary. The concept would move the train stop, reduce traffic delays, and could support the MBTA Communities Act initiatives. Concerns were raised about the water table, paid parking versus free parking, and merchant feedback. The board agreed to discuss further at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Lot Release (17 Ridge Hill Lane): Unanimous approval granted.
• Site Plan Review (Upper Cape Tech): Approved unanimously with conditions; as-built plan required before occupancy permit.
• Procedural Improvements: Board will require all submissions 72 hours in advance and will distribute checklists and deliberation sheets to all members. Staff to provide building commissioner Eleanor McKay with list of enforcement issues.
• West End Rotary Concept: No formal action; item tabled for future deliberation.