Acushnet Planning Board Unanimously Approves Town's First Over-55 Housing Special Permit

ACUSHNET — May 21, 2026 — Acushnet Planning Board unanimously approves its first Over-55 special permit, a 12-unit rental complex on Middle Road. The board voted 5-0 Thursday to grant the permit to MD Southcoast Properties, LLC, for six two-story duplexes at 72 Middle Road, represented by David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, and Leone, Inc. All 12 units must remain rentals under single ownership; any future conversion to individual sales requires a permit amendment and formation of a homeowners association. Chair Mark Francois called the project "exactly what the Planning Board wanted when the by-law was created." Town Planner Victoria Alfaro also updated the board on the Complete Streets Prioritization Plan, which could unlock up to $1 million in MassDOT construction funding for Acushnet road projects once the Select Board formally adopts the accompanying policy, a vote expected at the board's next meeting.