A.D. Makepeace: Inspired by Nature

Special Review Procedure

In January, the state Secretary of Environmental Affairs approved the A.D. Makepeace Company’s request for a Special Review Procedure for the development of contiguous property in Wareham, Carver and Plymouth.

Calling the Makepeace initiative “an ideal candidate” for this special environmental review process, Secretary Ian A. Bowles endorsed the company’s proposal for review of development impacts over time, through the review process established by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).

Instead of one large environmental impact report evaluating the projected impacts of the full 6,000-acre buildout, the process enables Makepeace to prepare a series of report for consideration by environmental regulators over as much as 25 years.

“(Makepeace) has committed to a transparent collaborative process, and based on comment letters received, has a long history of working cooperatively with the host communities,” wrote Secretary Bowles in his decision.

Makepeace requested the special review procedure in part because zoning needed to accomplish development goals is not yet in place in the three communities.  For example, Wareham and Carver are each working on Transfer of Development Rights and village zoning bylaws which will enable “smart growth” development on the Makepeace property.

What does that mean for local residents and other interested parties?

It means that as market conditions warrant, Makepeace will introduce elements of the overall development of its property for review and approval.

It also means no surprises, because each of the elements will be fully considered by Town Meeting voters before the necessary zoning changes are approved.