A proposal to transform the former Baymont Hotel into 97 apartments hit a roadblock Monday night as the Planning Board voiced sharp concerns over a narrow parking plan that provides only two spaces for visitors. Diversified Funding, which manages approximately 4,500 units across New England, is seeking to convert the aging 108-room hotel at 149 Main Street into a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units targeted as workforce housing.

Attorney Gareth Jesman, representing the developer, explained that the 1967 building is currently a non-conforming hotel use, and the shift to apartments would represent a less detrimental use of the site. We are proposing to convert the 108 hotel units into 97 apartments: 80 studios, 12 one-bedroom, and 5 two-bedroom units, Jesman told the board, noting that the plan includes amenities like work pods and a gym. Developer Todd Wilson added that the company intends to hold the property long-term: Diversified Funding has been in business for 52 years. We buy and hold; we are not looking to flip.

However, the board fixated on the logistics of the 104 proposed parking spaces. Under the current plan, 102 spaces would be assigned to residents, leaving just two for deliveries and guests. Member Jonathan Barnett was skeptical of the math, stating, My only concern is the phantom two guests. That seems unrealistic. Member Alexander Graham, who lives near the property, agreed that the density felt excessive for the site. I think it's way too many units, Graham said. Even for workforce housing, people want a quality of life and that includes having guests.

While Vice Chair David Gavigan observed that similar units in nearby Plymouth are rarely at 100% parking capacity because many residents are away during the day, Chairman Thomas Bouchard insisted on a more robust solution. The Board would like to see you get in that six to ten range for visitor spaces, Bouchard said, noting that residents cannot rely on parking at the nearby Cancun restaurant or on public streets. The board, including member Robert Ketter, reached a consensus to continue the hearing to May 11, 2026, to allow the developer time to explore acquiring additional parking through the MBTA or by reconfiguring the lot with smaller parking stalls.

In other business, the board cleared the way for Body Mechanics Physical Therapy to move into the Dunkin' Donuts plaza at 121 Main Street, but with a significant catch for the property owner. While a traffic study peer-reviewed by the town found that the clinic would not create unsafe congestion, Town Planner Valerie Massard pointed out that the building itself has remained unfinished for years. Massard noted that a previous site plan required decorative windows and shingling on the street-facing facade that were never installed, leaving a solid wall. The proposed condition is that the tenant can outfit the site but cannot receive a final occupancy permit until those windows and architectural details are finished, Massard explained.

Dave Barber, owner of Body Mechanics, advocated for the new location by highlighting a local shortage of healthcare options. Physical therapy is an essential service, Barber said. We've done research in the area and found that other practices are overbooked with waitlists three or four weeks long. The board saw the new tenant as an opportunity to finally force the completion of the building's exterior. Motion Made by D. Gavigan to approve the minor modification for the special permit condition number four at 121 Main Street as listed out by the town planner with the conditions, particularly number two, that no occupant be granted for the new tenant until the previously approved exterior architectural changes are completed. Motion Passed 5-0.

Closing the meeting, Massard provided a brief update on regional infrastructure, noting that the town is pursuing its fourth grant for safety improvements at Exit 20. The plan involves installing roundabouts and reducing some sections of road to a single lane to accommodate a shared-use pedestrian path. It addresses safety concerns for pedestrians in that area, Massard said, citing the need for better connectivity between Big Y and the Duxbury town line. Additionally, the board noted that the annual Town Meeting is likely to be rescheduled for June 6th to allow more time for the Town Administrator’s office to finalize budget figures.