Dover Planning Board Approves Haven Street Garage, Introduces New Town Planner

DOVER -- July 14, 2025, Dover Planning Board unanimously approves Haven Street garage project and welcomes new town planner on her fifth day. The board voted 4-0 to approve a preliminary site plan review for applicants Kyle and Mrs. McBernie at 26 Haven Street, authorizing demolition of a deteriorated existing garage and construction of a new 24-by-30-foot two-story structure with office space, a bathroom, and a wet bar, subject to six conditions including a prohibition on use as an accessory dwelling unit. Chair Carol Lisbon formally introduced Melissa Santucci Rossi as town planner, citing 25 years of planning experience across two communities and roughly 23 years on the Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals. Board of Selectmen Chair Robin Hunter was welcomed as the new planning board liaison for fiscal year 2026, replacing Selectman Dave Havland. Santucci Rossi reported that state housing officials have preliminarily validated the town's proposed MBTA Communities Act overlay district at County Court and Tisdale Drive, with only two minor technical comments requiring bylaw amendments before the September 29 special town meeting.