Marlborough council considers mixed-use zoning for former Hewlett-Packard site
By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The site of the former Hewlett-Packard (HP) building on Forest Street could become a mixed-use development if zoning changes for that area are approved.
City Council President Patricia Pope asked lawmakers at the council’s Sept. 10 meeting to consider a proposal from Atlantic-Marlboro Realty LLC to change the site into a “mixed-use development that meets the city’s goals for economic development.”
The project would be under the guidance of the Metropolitan Planning Council (MAPC), a state agency contracted by the Marlborough Economic Development Commission (MEDC). Pope, who also serves on the MEDC board, said the MAPC will provide technical assistance to the city in the form of review and comments related to a “Results Way Mixed Use Overlay District.”
Potential uses for the land if the zoning overlay is approved could include residences, retail, hotels, and restaurants. The 109-acre property, which has been vacant for several years, was once home to Digital Equipment Corp., before that company was acquired by Compaq, which then was purchased by HP.
Ward 6 Councilor Edward Clancy asked that the MAPC present an overview of the proposal at the council’s Sept. 24 meeting.
Ward 1 Councilor Joseph Delano stressed the importance of taking time to understand the full ramifications of the proposed change.
“It is very important that we think it through thoroughly and consider the long-term effects it could have,” he said.
Lawmakers approved the request to consider the zoning change proposal. A public hearing has been set for Monday, Oct. 15 with Atlantic-Marlboro Realty.
In other business, public hearings for special permits to modify three existing wireless facilities were conducted. Sprint is seeking to make changes at 75 Donald Lynch Blvd. and at 860 Boston Post Rd. National Grid is asking for permission to install a new anchor on Manning Street. The process for these changes started in June, according to Clancy, who chairs the Wireless and Communications Committee.
“The companies are in the process of upgrading their equipment to accommodate new technology,” said Clancy.
The requests for the three special permits will next go to the Wireless and Communications Committee for consideration.
Short URL: http://www.communityadvocate.com/?p=26207
Posted by Community Advocate Staff
on Sep 12 2012. Filed under Byline Stories, Marlborough, This Just In.
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