Selectman Hutchins: Overbuilding in Town 'Unfortunate'
Zoning bylaws may be revisited in the next Town Meeting.
Selectman Aaron Hutchins doesn't want to create any waves with the planning board, but thinks that it may want to look more closely at the approval process for new buildings in town.
Hutchins took an opportunity at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting to voice his concerns, and says his concerns echo those of a number of citizens in town who contact him.
"The building of commercial properties on the Main Street corridor is an issue," he said.
Pointing to a recent structure constructed at the corner of Westbrook Road, Hutchins said, "Because of the natural elevation, it looks like a highrise. It dwarfs this beautiful little home. It is just unfortunate, and I could list example after example of buildings on Main Street. I think we need to talk to the Planning Board. It may look good on paper, but retracts from the quality of life in Northborough. I don't think anyone expected it to have such a domineering effect."
The 12 units of multifamily housing presently being constructed at 5 Westbrook Rd. did receive a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals in July of last year, according to Town Planner Kathy Joubert. The project, which is located in the Downtown Business zoning district, was reviewed by the Design Review Committee before the ZBA granted the permit.
Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.
Joubert added that the development is in conformance with the zoning bylaw that was adopted at the 2009 Annual Town Meeting.
"The Planning Board is currently reviewing some of the density and setback regulations adopted in 2009," said Joubert, "and may be bringing some amendments to the 2013 Annual Town Meeting. I don’t have any proposed language yet but if residents are interested in this topic, it will be discussed at the next few Planning Board meetings. We encourage the participation of the residents regarding this topic."
David Bramley
7:43 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Well Selectman Hutchins I am a constituent that favors growth. Attend to the Board of Selectmen's business like lowering taxes.
Carla M. Meehan
7:53 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
I agree with Selectmen Hutchins 100%. Maybe the by-laws need to be reviewed, Maybe the planning Board & ZBA need some help with direction. Unfortunately, I have no answers, but I agree Northborough is being "overbuilt" while there are too many vacancies...
Carol C
7:55 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
I couldn't agree more. My house will be next took look like this. : ( my house, like this house; someone will make big bucks while the little house looses value. I'm sure when the owners of that house moved in they didn't expect something of that size behind it. It's a real shame and sadness. I feel for them. I hope the planning board does follow through with what the residents really want. With my short time reading the zoning laws it has taught me a lot on what builders now have the capability of vs before 2009. I don't think any of that was explained to the people when they voted on it. Maybe it's time for the people to speak out and take action. I hope people come forward on this. In April is where the people have the best say and the best action.
Carol C
8:07 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
When have our taxes actually been lowered and he isn't saying no business he is saying be thoughtful about it
Aaron Hutchins
8:07 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Thanks for your comment, Mr. Bramley. I did not speak against growth, merely the location and design of it. If that was your house being dwarfed by that imposing structure, I tend to think you'd have a different opinion.
Brian Northborough
9:00 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
That "poor little house" did massive renovations over the past year...they tore out the whole basement and dug out to build that lower level, re-did the retaining wall structure and landscaping, a new driveway and deck...I wouldn't be surprised if they sold the land the new structure was built on and paid for the renovations...I would like the whole story before pointing fingers...if the person who lives in the house is fine with it then I am fine with it...
Jonny Rock
5:41 am on Sunday, September 30, 2012
Ah "Massive renovations" please! it is what 900 sqr feet? I too would need the whole story. But these multi family condos in every nook and cranny in town is not adding appeal. Niether are the cheap discounted commercial buildings..My tax dollars used to get me trash pick up an my kid could play HS sports for free, among other things. Why do all our services get fees now and the tax rates go higher and they allow any building to get jammed into any lot? Because we lack management skills throughout.
Linda Brannon
9:45 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Thank you Aaron for taking on the issues most people don't want to talk about because the majority may or may not agree. I applaud your willingness to stand up for the debate on what is best for the town of Northborough. This may be the status quo, but if not, at least the discussion has been started.
Robert Norgard
12:01 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
The only problem with downtown is that we have very shabby looking buisness buildings that need to be removed, ie R & T, ole Lowes Mrkt, building across from WCD. Our downtown is just fine, just get rid of the eyesores. Oh yes, then their is the ole Piece gas station, but that is another problem.The twin buildings recently built next to Pierce is a total disaster. That is a BIG blunder on the planning board.
Andy DeWolfe
2:52 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
I agree 100% the bylaws need to be reviewed, I went to the town hall to inquire about converting my house (existing single family) to a duplex for rental purposes. I was told I could not take the existing structure and convert it into a two family, but instead I could take it down and build a three family. does not make any sense to me. That picture says it all, single family house with a small apartment complex at its rear door.
Karen
5:05 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
Thank you, Mr. Hutchins, for voicing a strong opinion when those of the residents do not seem to be heard. I also firmly believe that this is your job, standing up for the residents, as a selectman, and I thank you for doing it. I strongly urge concerned residents to attend the Planning Board meetings where these issues are still continuing to be discussed and are on the agenda for the upcoming meeting next Tuesday, Oct. 2nd.
Proud Resident of Northborough
5:52 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012
While I agree with much of which the Selectman has said regarding the current zoning regulations, I find his comments potentially troublesome. The Selectman's job is not dictate to the Planning Board. They do not get to declare what regulations are enforced or not enforced. There is a reason the different boards are autonomous. No one group of individuals in town government has or should have absolute power. By saying that the Board of Selectman “ should talk to the planning board” it sounds like he is suggesting that the Selectman should be attempting to influence what should be an independent board. That subverts the whole idea of independent boards.
Jonny Rock
5:31 am on Sunday, September 30, 2012
Of course it will influence the board. That is what open communication can do. Allow for two opinions to be voiced and find a better way. Isn't that what a civilized society should be doing? Boards are not meant to sit in isolation.
Jonny Rock
5:25 am on Sunday, September 30, 2012
I agree with Hutch. New Building in town should "improve" the look of this small community. Instead it is adding to the hodge podge of ramshackled buildings that already exist. What is with the backwards buildings that just went up on main st ? All this to accomidate parking? The standards need to be higher and lets stop this rummage sale approach for more tax dollars.