Planning Board approves Main Street marina site plan

The Planning Board voted 5-0 to approve local businessman Danny Warren’s plans for a marina at 59 Main St. during its Tuesday night meeting.

The board discussed briefly Warren’s plans for traffic mitigation, a solar-powered pedestrian-controlled crosswalk to be placed at the Merchants Way and Main Street intersection. One member also raised the possibility of adding a right-turn only lane on the street for Warren’s business.

Last week’s Planning Board meeting focused on the issue of traffic mitigation. Warren shared his concerns that he may no longer have enough time to finish the project before triggering federal fines.

The Wareham native’s plans for the property include a 6,500 square foot restaurant, an open pavilion and a 1,500 square foot retail space. Warren’s vision for the property, he told the Historic Commission last year, includes a large events/convention building that will operate for part of the year. The space will likely be used for weddings in the spring before operating as a restaurant during the summer months. 

Board members agreed that the project’s plans for ensuring pedestrian safety near the future restaurant and pavilion complex were sufficient. Warren can start construction at the end of a 20-day waiting period if no one files an appeal, Select Board member Alan Slavin said.

The board’s five members all voted to approve Warren’s site plan, and chair Mike King shared his excitement for what he described as a future “anchor” of Main Street.

“We look forward to seeing the town come to life,” he said.