Planning Board Denies Franklin Street Permit Amendment, Cites Owner's Failure to Build to Spec

WHITMAN — June 24, 2025 — Whitman Planning Board denies Franklin Street permit amendment over unauthorized construction. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to reject an application by a property owner at 74 Franklin Street to amend a February 2024 special permit, after members confirmed the duplex was built with a fourth bedroom on one side despite approval for only three bedrooms per unit — a discrepancy discovered when the unit was listed for sale. Member Brandon Griffin argued the owner "didn't build to specification," and the board added a condition requiring renewed Board of Health approval before the matter can advance. In a separate 3-1 vote, the board denied a special permit for a proposed daycare at 1044 Washington Street pending additional details on parking and drop-off logistics at what members called a "horrible intersection." Both applications are scheduled for Board of Appeals public hearings on July 14.