By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Attorney Arthur Bergeron has filed a Notice of Application for Site Eligibility for the construction of 290 units of affordable housing on a site off Route 20, across from RK Plaza, and between Glen Street and Ames Street. The notice was submitted to the City Council at its Nov. 21 meeting as a communication from Mayor Nancy Stevens.
Bergeron, who represents Marlborough/Northborough Land Realty Trust, which is affiliated with the Gutierrez Co. development firm, said he expects the council to take action on the proposal before the end of the year. The Urban Affairs Committee is currently studying the plans.
Several residents in the area opposed the proposal at a public hearing that was held in September. Residents noted their concerns about the present water conditions as well as heavy traffic that would evolve if the project were approved. Those in opposition also expressed the impact on city schools with the addition of many school-age children imposing an added financial drain on the city and the added burden to Fire and Police Departments.
At that time Bergeron said he was aware of occasional flooding in the neighborhood. He added that Gutierrez is willing to reconfigure the pipe system to help alleviate the problems that are present and that could possibly occur by added housing in the area.
Ward 3 Councilor Matt Elder, who represents constituents in that area, has expressed his opposition to the development of a residential development on that parcel of land. The application is for a development consisting of five multi-family residential buildings with a clubhouse, containing a total of 290 units.
