Plympton ZBA takes no action on Barker House kennel after town counsel finds no valid permit

PLYMPTON — May 20, 2026 — Plympton Zoning Board finds no valid kennel permit exists for Barker House, takes no formal action. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously at its May 20 meeting to take no action on a town clerk request to renew the special permit for the Barker House dog kennel at 8 Elm Street, after acting Chair Ethan Stiles read a written opinion from town counsel Jonathan Eichmann of Koppelman and Page concluding that the property's 2019 special permit application was "never constructively approved" under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Sections 9 and 11. Eichmann found that the five statutory steps required for constructive approval were never completed, and that the zoning enforcement officer's earlier determination of constructive approval was legally unsound. Attorney Barry Crimmins, representing owner Dr. Amber Bartlett, told the board his client had "no objection" to the no-action outcome. Ten speakers addressed the board in support of the Barker House, none in opposition; the kennel continues to operate under a 2020 zoning enforcement officer compliance determination that town counsel said should stand until formally reconsidered.