Tensions Flare as Scituate Select Board Approves Controversial Propane Storage for 40B Housing Project
SCITUATE - May 12, 2026 - Amid fierce neighborhood opposition and emotional public pleas, the Scituate Select Board unanimously voted to grant a fuel storage license for 8,500 gallons of underground propane at a controversial 40B housing development on Old Oaken Bucket Road [58:27]. Local residents raised urgent environmental and safety concerns, describing the decentralized fuel tanks as a potential “bomb” next to their yards [33:00], but board members stated their hands were legally tied by state affordable housing mandates that heavily restrict municipal zoning control [37:28].
The Full Story
The public hearing on the fuel storage application for 279-281 Old Oaken Bucket Road quickly turned into a focal point of neighborhood frustration over the state’s Chapter 40B comprehensive permit law [19:54]. A representative for applicant EJP Old Oaken Bucket LLC explained that a municipal fuel license was triggered because the cumulative storage capacity of the decentralized propane tanks across the single parcel exceeds 2,000 gallons [20:06]. The layout features decentralized, underground propane tanks primarily shared between pairs of homes [21:58], which the developer and fire officials emphasized is significantly safer than centralized aboveground infrastructure [36:45].
However, local abutters packed the chamber to voice intense disapproval. Barbara Miraglia, a 92-year-old resident living on Old Oaken Bucket Lane since 1975, expressed profound fear for her safety [28:32]. Her son, John, cited historical pipeline and gas leak data, asserting that an 8,500-gallon volume presented an unacceptable blast radius right next to their property [32:42]. Other residents questioned why the developer bypassed existing natural gas lines or more eco-friendly electric heat pump alternatives [34:06].
The Chair of the Water Resources Commission also raised concerns regarding the Water Resource Protection District bylaws [24:27]. Vice Chair Susan Harrison clarified that local zoning bylaws explicitly permit liquid propane storage for household heating and emergency generators within the district [42:14]. The fire department reassured the public that underground tanks carry less risk of flame impingement or external vehicular damage, noting that the town permits 10 to 15 similar underground installations annually [43:48].
Select Board members expressed deep empathy for the neighbors but noted that denying a proven, legal technology under a 40B framework would trigger an immediate appeal to the state’s Housing Appeals Committee—a legal battle the town would inevitably lose at the taxpayers’ expense [52:47]. Ultimately, the board voted 5-0 to approve the license, subject to the applicant obtaining individual installation permits for each tank from the fire department [58:27].
