Select Board Votes Down Forge Lane 40B Development

Select Board · Meeting of September 14, 2026

Marshfield Select Board rejects 32-home Forge Lane 40B project, backing the Planning Board's unanimous opposition. Chair Rick Smith told developer's attorney Steve Gard he had made "a very poor case" for the project's public benefit, which would have sold eight of 32 homes as affordable units and the rest at a restricted $725,000. Town Planner Karen Horn said the "starter homes" were still out of reach for most residents, citing a $164,600 median family income.

The 3-0 vote came at the board's first meeting since a September 1 override failed; Vice Chair Eric Kelley also renewed calls for the resignations of three town employees and requested reimbursement for a towed trailer. The board separately accepted $500 for the Council on Aging and $500 for Ventress Memorial Library, and formed a communications steering committee.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,226 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of September 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.