By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough-A temporary cessation of new proposals for housing developments in the city for a six-month period was approved by the City Council at its Jan. 9 meeting.
The measure, requested by Mayor Arthur Vigeant, was made in order to give city officials an opportunity to strategically review housing inventory, demand for housing, and impacts to quality of life for Marlborough residents. After much discussion on the merits of the proposal, the order was referred to the Urban Affairs Committee and the Planning Board. A public hearing to discuss the proposal is scheduled for the Monday, Feb. 6 council meeting.
In his communication to the council, the mayor stated: “In recent weeks as many as 13 new housing projects have been discussed in various forms throughout the city. While not all of these projects may move forward as formal proposals, there is certainly a strong appetite among developers to bring forward large scale projects to Marlborough.”
Since 2010, more than 950 housing units of various sizes have been approved for development in the city, Vigeant stated.
“Recently completed projects include the Ice House Landing and the Talia Apartments. Other projects approved during this time period include the beautiful new apartments at Avalon Marlborough and the condominiums at St. Mary’s. Many of our new developments are high end, 1 or 2 bedrooms, and are targeted at those young professionals who work in Marlborough,” he said.
In conducting the review, Councilor Mark Oram suggested including a study of senior housing “to assist our seniors and help them to stay in Marlborough.”
City Council President Edward Clancy, speaking in support of the order, said, “We really need a housing plan. We don’t want to close the door on anyone. We just need information from our department heads to help us act wisely.”
“This is a real good move,” suggested looking into public safety aspects in the city as a part of the study,” Councilor Peter Juaire said.
