Selectmen choose 40B finalists
By Melissa Muntz Contributing Writer

Shrewsbury - The Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen has narrowed down the aff ordable housing proposals presented to the town from three to two. The board decided at its Aug. 6 meeting to move forward with the 40B proposals presented by AvalonBay Inc. and Fairfield Residential, which will be presented once again during a public hearing Monday Aug. 13.

Board members said they passed on the third proposal, which would have created a mixed-use development at the current Building 19 site on Route 9, because they did not believe the company that proposed the project, Hinghambased SREV LLC, would be able to work within the tight schedule outlined by the town. Shrewsbury must have an affordable housing plan of their choice in the works by October of this year to extend the town's moratorium on additional Chapter 40B development.

Board members said that they were most impressed by the AvalonBay proposal because, despite the fact that it does not include the commercial development component the town had sought, the company has proposed a large mitigation package. Shrewsbury would receive anywhere from a $4.6 to $6 million in services, savings and payment, depending on the scope of the project.

Board members said it would be hard to ignore the amount of good the money could do in the community, especially in improvements to another commercial site in town.

"This aff ords us at the very least to set aside funds for needed improvements at the Allen property," Selectman Maurice DePalo said. "And the long-term development of the Allen property is one of the highest priorities in town to get us where we need to be with our commercial tax base."

Avalon at Shrewsbury Hills would consist of 444 rental units, with 178 one-bedroom units, 244 two-bedroom units and 22 three-bedroom townhouses spread over nine buildings. The project would be located on a 36.4-acre site in CenTech Park, within walking distance of the Grafton MBTA Commuter Rail station.

Board members said they were impressed by the company's ability to answer all of their questions during the initial proposal stage, and are comfortable working with the company, which worked with the town in the past during the creation of Avalon Shrewsbury off of Route 9.

Board members said they didn't want to rule out the Fairfield project though, because it does include a commercial component and it would help launch the rejuvenated Lakeway Overlay District along Route 9 in Shrewsbury.

The Fairfield project would consist of both residential units and 165, 000 square feet of commercial and retail space situated on a mostly undeveloped parcel of land between Route 9, Oak Street and Maple Avenue. The current design incorporates three restaurants, several mixed-use commercial, retail and office buildings as well as 335 rental units spread over nine buildings throughout the community.

Residents will have a chance to ask questions about these two projects and voice their opinions at a public hearing Monday Aug. 13 at 7 p.m.