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Health & Fitness

New Development Downtown - 20 apartments, and large retail

Although I should be working on the material for the 130 case, I find myself upset by the ZBA meeting I attended tonight. It has left me feeling compelled to share my thoughts and information with you.

 

There are new members on the board since I last attended a meeting; that is refreshing! The chair Fran Bakstran and I are far from friends, however, I thought she asked a lot of good questions. Thank you Fran.

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The meeting was in regards to the property next to Boost Fitness/Hillside Café and across from Dunkin Donuts. I find these meetings to be a bit stressful and disconcerting. Emotions set aside, as I listened to the proposed project I struggle with what I heard, knowing the residents voted for no multifamily in the business east district in 2012. In 2013 residents remained concerned about large multifamily units and dense projects. As a result, the board presented an amendment to the multifamily bylaw for the downtown district. It was voted and passed to have a maximum of eight apartments. Not 20.

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Yet, here we are only three months later (the ink isn’t even dry yet…). We have a developer asking for 7 variances one of which is for 20, 1 bedroom apartments. They are calling this Northborough Commons. Aren’t the bylaws - LAWS?? It’s not just about the number of apartments. This project once again is too large. They also want a variance to enlarge the amount of retail space. Most importantly, 4 out of the 5 planning board members want to see restrictions on this site plan. Doesn’t that weigh any, in the decision?

 

I pleaded with the members of the ZBA asking them to think long and hard about what they will allow this developer to do, or not to do. Pointing out; that we can’t go back once it is approved. It’s like the slogan “just say no”. Good advice.

 

I say it again: Dear ZBA, Please, please, please, put restrictions on this development. I can only imagine you are getting heat from someone above to push this through as it is. I actually feel for you in that regard. It’s a tough balance. However, you can stand by the law. I honestly believe developers should build within the bylaw requirements. An occasional variance, fine, but 7??? Seems a bit little over-kill.

 

I also struggle with the developers “right” (the definition of “by right” is what the developers are allowed to build “by right”; a variance is not a “right”). Yet developers come in and think they are entitled to beyond that “right”. The ZBA has the power to shut certain request down or to modify them. Although we want business in town, the developers shouldn’t call all the shots. There are laws in place for a reason. Please listen to the people and the planning board on this one.

 

The majority of planning board members, all but one, voiced their concerns about the project. Suggestions were made such as a compromise of 10-12 apartments rather than 20. They also raised concerns on allowing the larger retail space. I think this and other suggestions made by the planning board were excellent ideas. Thank you!

 

The larger retail space will mostly likely result in more frequent in and out traffic; much like a CVS traffic.  Unlike, the smaller quaint shops we have seen pop up in town. I agree, it would be nice to have some retail, a new building, and perhaps some apartments (that thankfully aren’t abutting residential) in the downtown area. However, it again all seems very large. It looks very similar to the size and scope of the Lava Java development. I like that development. I like where it is and how it was done. I am not convinced the site of this current plan, presented tonight, is the right fit for that space. Again, there is NO turning back; so let’s get this one right.

 

This developer mentioned he was from town. The traffic is already congested and hectic downtown so why add such a big place there? Downsize it, make money, and also make your fellow residents happy. We do share the same space.

 

This is also partially in a water overlay district. With parking and building structures taking over green space; where will the rain water go? On to RT 20? Just as we have seen the water rushing down Bartlett St where Fed-Ex building was built. This site has topography difficulties as well. Instead of manipulating the land and the law to achieve the most money making project, my suggest would be to work with what is there and the laws that are provided.

 

The design of the development seemed aesthetically nice. Although, large in height for my liking. That also may have been a variance request. There has got to be a happy medium; a compromise that can be made. If not, wait for another developer. It’s like a kid in a candy store; should they be allowed all the candy they want?

 

So how do other towns achieve the New England feel? I see so many towns that have cute little downtowns with more green space. I often wonder; why can’t we have that too? How do they control their downtown and make it feel quaint, cozy and not large, and “urban-like” (a term used in tonight’s meeting). I and several other residents did not move to this town to get an urban-like feel. I wanted a country back road feel. Here’s the thing, I am for growth, but let’s take control of what we allow. We have the law to stand by. Stand by it.

 

I find it upsetting when a person questions a developer and they are immediately on the defense. Proof of studies to review, Mass Dot recommendations to review, environmental data to review should be given without attitude. We are a town and we have rights. We aren’t urbanized, nor, do we want to become urbanized.  

 

Food for thought: what will happen when The White Cliffs is ever sold and commercially developed? Couldn’t a Wal-Mart go there? Hmm…

 

Lastly, another engineer went before the board tonight. I learnt tonight the old Sea Dog will now seat 200 people. They are not expanding the building but they are expanding into other portions of the building. There’s a restaurant going in there… I believe a chain. The lawyer for the project was unable to say what chain. Any guesses? The Outback maybe? I have no idea!

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