Dover Planning Board Approves Greenhouse, Pool, Barn and Eyes MBTA Overlay Site

DOVER — April 28, 2025 — Dover Planning Board unanimously approves three residential projects and narrows in on County Court for its MBTA housing overlay district. The board, chaired by Carol Lisbon, voted 4-0 to approve a greenhouse at 16 Craw Drive, 5-0 for a gunite pool at 81 Springdale Avenue, and 5-0 for a 70-by-78.7-foot barn at 283 Denim Street — the last with a new condition barring an accessory dwelling unit without further board review. Member Jody Shu, leading the MBTA Communities Act compliance effort, told the board the town aims to submit a pre-review application to state housing officials by May 15, with County Court as the preferred site for a 102-unit multifamily overlay district. Members Williams, Sidwick, and Mley each voiced informal support for County Court, though Shu cautioned that a state rejection of that site — a 40B development — would likely eliminate the Meadows as well and leave only the less popular Junction Street parcel. Finance analysis presented at a recent public session estimated Dover could lose roughly $1 million per year in state grants if it fails to comply with the December 31 deadline.