Town officials are looking ahead to 2029 with Article 29, which proposes a technical amendment to zoning setbacks along the Route 28 corridor. The change is designed to protect local businesses from falling out of compliance when MassDOT begins a major streetscape renovation project.

The state’s planned redo of Route 28—stretching from Parker’s River to the Barnstable line—will include widening the road to accommodate shared-use paths. Town Administrator Robert L. Whritenour explained that these road improvements may require the state to take small portions of private frontage. If they widen Route 28 a little bit, that may make some of those local businesses be in danger of not meeting their setbacks, Whritenour said.

The proposed amendment would adjust local setback requirements to ensure that businesses remain legally compliant within town zoning, even if their property lines shift due to the state project. This proactive measure aims to support the local business community as the town navigates long-term infrastructure improvements along its primary commercial artery.