The Pembroke Zoning Board of Appeals cleared the way for a new body arts business on Church Street while forcing a compromise on a residential carport project during its February 10 meeting at Veterans Hall. Katherine Black, an experienced artist from Plymouth, successfully secured a special permit to open Black Cat Tattoo at 254 Church Street. Black explained that her new venture in the plaza near Sherwin Williams would focus exclusively on body art, telling the board, I'm looking to open up a tattoo shop in town... myself as a sole owner and them as my independent contractors... it'll be just tattooing.

The board found the application for the tattoo parlor to be straightforward, noting the location falls within the town’s adult use overlay district. Member R. MacDonald observed that it's in the right area. Everything seems straightforward, while Chair F. Casavant IV added, I'm fine with it. It's an allowed use by special permit... it's in harmony with the bylaws. Motion Made by F. Casavant IV to approve the application of Katherine Black, application 11-25, for the special permit to open a body arts establishment called Black Cat Tattoo with the requirement that the hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The board took a more critical stance regarding a request from Noel Heron of 21 Allen Street, who sought a variance to build a carport just four feet from his side property line. Heron argued that environmental constraints left him with no other options, stating, On the back of the house, I border wetlands... on the other side of the house, it's tough because that's where the septic system is... so really this right side is the only place that makes sense. He further explained that the carport was necessary to keep his vehicles dry and provide easier access as he ages, noting his existing garage is currently used as a gym.

Board members were hesitant to grant 16 feet of relief from the standard 20-foot setback. Chair F. Casavant IV suggested the hardship was partially self-inflicted, noting, I see you have a garage already... you're not using the garage for what it—not that you have to put a car in it, but typically people put that in the garage. You're sort of in a sense creating your own hardship. Member R. MacDonald told the applicant, I think you might have to make a compromise as to what is more important to you: access to the backyard or [the carport]. Member D. Lee scrutinized the dimensions of the proposed structure, asking, How wide does that make his car [port]? ... Nine feet of carport, then nine feet of space. Ultimately, the board approved a modified variance that requires the structure to remain nine feet from the lot line, rather than the four feet Heron originally requested. Motion Made by F. Casavant IV to approve application 10-25, 21 Allen Street, Noel Heron, but the setback will be—we're going to let it go 11 feet into the setback... you'll have 9 feet from the structure... to the lot line. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

In other business, the board briefly addressed a continued appeal regarding the site plan approval for a battery energy storage system at 48 Schoosett Street. Chair F. Casavant IV noted that the matter would be delayed significantly, stating, This is to be immediately continued to Monday, April 13, 2026, here at the Veterans Hall with no discussion or testimony of the time apart from a vote to extend the decision deadline. Motion Made by F. Casavant IV to continue the hearing for Case 9-25 to April 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Veterans Hall. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Before concluding, the board also handled routine administrative tasks. Motion Made by F. Casavant IV to approve the minutes of January 13, 2026. Motion Passed (3-0-0).