Planning Board Review Process & Abutter's Guide

The Planning Board Development Review Process

Winthrop LogoThe Planning Board has prepared this guide to explain what you, as an abutter to a proposed development project, can expect during the process of review of this project. It is not intended to be a legal guide, but to help you understand how to participate in hearings, get information, and best communicate any concerns you may have. To reach the Planning Board, please contact the Town Clerk's office at 617-846-1854, ext. 1034. We are located in Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Room B-3.

Planning Board Members                         Term Expiration

        • Chris Boyce, Chairman-              June 30, 2027
        • Gina DiMento,                              June 30, 2026
        • Sarah Jane Fourness                   June 30, 2027
        • Alyssa Gamble                             June 30, 2027
        • Honor Merceret                          June 30, 2027
        • Jason Pollutro                              June 30, 2026

Planning Staff

Denise Quist/Staff Support

10 Suggestions for Presenting Testimony at Public Hearings

  1. You should stand and state your name and address for the record each time you speak;
  2. Feel free to use the proposed plan to point out concerns you may have and try to stand so that the Board can see the area which you are referring;
  3. Try to state all of your questions or concerns at once and then allow the next person to speak;
  4. Be polite and respectful of differing opinions;
  5. While you may have questions for the applicant, you should address them to the Board. The Board may direct the applicant to keep a record of questions asked and answer them all at once;
  6. Avoid personal attacks-stick to issues relating to the project and within the scope of the Board's review;
  7. Don't ask to speak again until all have an opportunity to be heard;
  8. It is fine to just say " I agree with Mr. Smith about traffic" rather than restating the same concerns;
  9. Comments made at a hearing need not be repeated at subsequent ones unless they have not been addressed;
  10. Remember that you will not be notified by mail of continued hearings-if you are interested you should attend all hearings, future hearing dates are set at the public hearing or call the Town Manager's Office.

Subdivisions

The Board acts on subdivisions based on the authority in the Mass. Subdivision Rules and Regulations (Adopted by the Board). Plans either must comply with these requirements or the applicant must request that waivers be granted. The Board has discretion in acting on waivers to consider those that are in the best interest of the design of the project and of the town. Subdivisions must also comply with town zoning requirements. The Board will focus on issues relating to the subdivision roadway construction such as drainage, grading, erosion control, sidewalks, and curbing. The Board will also consider traffic safety and the development of an overall interconnected roadway network.

Special Permits

Currently, the Planning Board is the special permit-granting authority for many types of development. Please consult the Zoning Bylaws for a specific reference. All special permits require a super-majority vote (four out of five) in order to be granted. Review focuses on criteria established in the Zoning Bylaws.

Site Plans

The Planning Board also acts on proposed commercial and other related proposals through its Site Plan Approval process in accordance with the criteria established in the Site Plan Approval Rules and Regulations and the Zoning Bylaws.