Hanson Planning Board forwards new ADU draft to Town Counsel ahead of February deadline

HANSON -- January 27, 2025, Hanson Planning Board advances ADU bylaw overhaul as state law invalidates existing rules February 2. The board voted unanimously at its January 27 meeting to send a revised accessory dwelling unit bylaw draft to Town Counsel for review, with both the ADU hearing and the Main Street pedestrian improvements hearing continued to February 10. Town Planner Tony Wadsworth warned the current bylaw, which requires a special permit and owner-occupancy, becomes "null and void" under the state's Affordable Homes Act the moment it takes effect, and said the revised language, developed with Town Counsel, preserves limited local controls while conforming to state requirements. Town Administrator Lisa Green disclosed that a town accountant had quietly closed five long-standing planning warrant articles, including a Main Street sidewalk design account estimated at roughly $12,750, after finding no activity in fiscal years 2023 and 2024; she acknowledged the closures as a communication error and said new warrant articles will be drafted for the upcoming special town meeting to restore the funds. Separately, the board learned Hanson faces a February 13 deadline to file an MBTA Communities action plan and a July 14 compliance deadline, with existing grant losses already confirmed.