Newbury ZBA Continues Plum Island Rebuild Hearing Over Size Concerns

NEWBURY — May 21, 2026 — Newbury ZBA continues contested Plum Island rebuild for the second time, citing scale concerns and missing Conservation Commission review. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously at its May 21 meeting to continue the special-permit application of Gerard Fandetti for 15 Sunset Drive to June 18, 2026, after board members said they could not resolve whether the proposed 3,988-square-foot single-family replacement for a one-bedroom, roughly 786-square-foot cottage would be "more detrimental to the neighborhood" under the Plum Island Overlay District. Associate Member Michelle Weaver called the project "a dramatic intensification of use," and Chair Eric Saan said the board needs comparative floor-area data from neighboring lots before it can make that finding. Two written abutter letters — one from Paula Irving and a detailed seven-point opposition letter from Jay Martell of Brinmar Way — were read into the record, with Martell arguing the revised plans received only seven hours before the hearing increased the floor area ratio and added an undisclosed second-story storage level above the garage. The board also continued a separate application at 129 Northern Boulevard to June 18 after the applicant failed to publish the required legal notice on schedule.