Planning Board Walks Nursery Site of Proposed Affordable Homes

The Barrington Planning Board walked the site of the proposed affordable housing development, “Palmer Pointe,” on Tuesday evening before it resumes the hearing on the preliminary plan on Thursday evening, May 30.

The tour of the Sowams Nursery on Sowams Road was typical for the Planning Board when dealing with a significant development, said Mike McCormick, the chair of the board. 

It helps to put a face on a plan on paper, McCormick said.

The board was joined by a handful of neighbors who are opposed to the 48-unit rental development proposed by the East Bay Community Development Corporation. The corporation’s attorney, Stephanie Federico, and an aide also joined the walking tour.

The owners of the property, Joseph and Maria Silveria, opened the gate to enter the nursery and also joined the tour of their property.

The board seemed particularly interested in the land at the rear of the site, which cannot be developed because it is wetlands. Several board members attempted to locate a so-called path to the Palmer River; they found nothing but brush blocking their way. They also wanted to know the exact location of the sewer line that runs through the rear of the site.

Thursday’s hearing on Palmer Pointe resumes at 7 pm in the Council Chamber in Town Hall.