After 11 years of planning, Bay Watch Realty’s proposal to build a 96-unit affordable housing development in Marion has one last hurdle to clear with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

On Thursday, June 14, the board members decided to postpone a final decision on the matter to give Fire Chief Thomas Joyce a chance to review the modified site plans for any safety issues.

Bay Watch Realty has proposed to build the development on Route 105, just north of Route 6.

Concerns have been raised by members of the Zoning Board, Building Commissioner Scott Shippey and the Selectmen about including two emergency exits on the property.

Ken Steen, a representative for Bay Watch Realty, said the latest site plans met with this request.

Zoning Board Chair Bob Wedge said the board would meet with both Shippey and Joyce within the week to get their say on the matter.

“At this stage we are going to confer with the Fire Chief and let him be the ultimate judge,” Wedge said.

The development would include 60 apartments to be rented to tenants who meet income qualifications, and 36 single-family homes for sale at market-value.

The developers are seeking to build the housing complex under the state’s “40B” affordable housing law, which would allow Bay Watch Realty to avoid local zoning restrictions if a number of housing units are sold or rented at below-market costs to people who meet the income requirements.

If Joyce signs off on the site plans, Wedge said the board could render its final decision during the next meeting with Bay Watch Realty on June 28.

If approved by the Zoning Board, Bay Watch Realty could then apply for a building permit.