Acushnet Planning Board names new mixed-use district for North Main Street corridor

ACUSHNET -- November 7, 2025, Acushnet Planning Board settles on "Greater Village Mixed Use District" name for proposed North Main Street zoning overhaul. The board, meeting for roughly its eighth session on the topic, agreed to create two separate districts rather than extend the existing Business Village District northward, with Chair Mark Francois emphasizing the goal of promoting first-floor commercial uses without enabling subdivision of residential lots for dense housing. Vice Chair Richard Ellis and member Bryan Deschamps cautioned that the existing Business Village District's 10,000-square-foot minimum lot size and 60-foot frontage requirement could allow significant lot splitting if applied to North Main Street unchanged. Town Planner Victoria Albarro will research comparable municipal zoning frameworks and compile a list of existing businesses from Hamlin Street to Lake Street for the December meeting, while the board also agreed to pursue a state Community One Stop for Growth grant for a comprehensive town-wide zoning review. The board separately voted unanimously to accept a demolition affidavit tying removal of the existing structure at 39 Keene Road to two lots held under Planning Board covenant by AMN Estate Holding LLC.