Members of the community spoke out against the proposed 93-unit housing development at Littleton Drive during the first of what will be a lengthy, multiple-part public hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals hearing began late in the evening on Dec. 9 and due to the number of issues raised, it will be continued Jan. 6, 2021.

More than 15 potential neighbors to the Littleton Drive complex and other nearby community members expressed a wide variety of concerns about the development, ranging from the ramifications of increased foot and vehicular traffic to the duration and disruptiveness of the proposed construction.

Pennrose, the developer, requested a comprehensive permit for their proposed chapter 40B affordable housing project.

Pennrose plans to construct a housing complex that would include 44 affordable one-bedroom senior units (for those aged 62+) and 49 non-age restricted rental units for families and people in the workforce. Many of the non-age restricted units — which would include one, two and three bedroom units — would also be affordable housing for those below a certain income level. Some would be at or near market price, however.

Andrew Rodriguez, who lives on Littleton Drive and would become a neighbor to the complex, said he was worried about things like drainage, runoff, sewer capacity, foot traffic and construction traffic.

“I bought this house two years ago. I knew they were going to eventually end up putting something in here. I didn’t know it was to this magnitude,” he said. “And now what I’m worried about is the construction vehicles going in and out.” 

Rodriguez said Pennrose recently started doing soil samples and that had already caused problems.

“You guys dumped off a machine this morning,” he said. “There’s a truck parked right on the side of my house. You guys got that construction equipment in the back already. So I’m already not feeling comfortable with this whole thing going on.”

Pam Smith, who lives on Swifts Beach Road only a few houses from what would become the entry to the Littleton Drive complex, said her primary concern was increased traffic.

“Swifts Beach Road has a lot of traffic on it with a lot of accidents at the end of the road, onto Rte. 6,” she said. With more than 90 proposed units, Smith said the minimum number of additional cars would likely be 90 cars — an increase in traffic on top of the nearby Woods at Wareham complex. 

“I think it is a disaster waiting to happen,” Smith said. “It’s just too much for this little road.”

On top of the strain of increased vehicular traffic, community members also expressed concerns about the project’s likelihood of increasing foot traffic.

“I already have people going through my yard to get to the trails. I’ve had damages done, and when we speak to the young folks that cut through they get very nasty,” said Donna Bennett, a Wareham resident whose residence on Swifts Beach Road would abut the Littleton Drive complex.

One resident proposed Pennrose install fencing that would discourage people from cutting through nearby properties, and several other residents voiced agreement for the idea.

Charlie Adams, the regional vice president of Pennrose, presented plans for the housing development, fielded most questions and listened to concerns from board members and members of the public. The Pennrose team will be present for the planned continuation of the public hearing to address the issues brought to light.

As the public’s impassioned objections and detailed questions stretched later into the evening, Board Chairman Nazih Elkallassi reminded community members that the developers appeared willing to compromise and work toward productive solutions. 

“Just keep in mind, the applicant is not the devil here,” Elkallassi said, referring to Adams and Pennrose. “The thing was put out for bids, and he won the bid. He’s just a person trying to make a living like everyone else.”

The Board of Selectmen previously voted to issue a letter of support for the Littleton Drive complex at their Dec. 1 meeting. The public hearing will continue on Jan. 6, 2021 and could span several more Zoning Board meetings.