Mixed-use development approved for Marlborough’s downtown district

302

Mixed-use development approved for Marlborough’s downtown districtBy Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer

Marlborough – The City Council has approved plans for a mixed-use development at 28 South Bolton St., at the current site of Marilyn Green, Re/Max Signature Properties offices. Green, who owns the property, has purchased an adjacent lot and has plans to tear down the current office building and house next door, to construct a five-story building with 36 residential units, two retail and/or office spaces and ground floor parking. A clock tower is planned for the top of the building and according to Attorney Arthur P. Bergeron of law firm Mirick O’Connell who represents M & E Ventures (Green), the plans also calls for a small park on the grounds.

Councilor Mark A. Oram expressed concern over parking.

I foresee potential issues down the road,” he said. “We have to start working on where we can find additional parking downtown.”

Bergeron said he expects construction at the site will begin in the spring.

A second downtown project is slated for a public hearing at the Council’s meeting on Monday, Nov. 19. According to Bergeron the site is known as E on Main located at 165 Main Street. He is representing owner Enza Sambataro who has plans for a four-story building with 47 residential units, retail space and parking along with a roof deck for residents. The deck is to be partially covered and possibly offer outdoor kitchen amenities.

“The infrastructure is all there including sidewalks,” Bergeron noted. “All you need is a mixed-use development like this to attract professionals seeking a more urban lifestyle.”

However, roof decks are not included in the current zoning rules outlined in the Marlborough Village District ordinance that was passed in 2014.

“We have gone over many changes to the original plan with the Site Committee and all agreed that roof decks are a selling point and rare outside of major cities,” Bergeron said. “We never thought of this while developing the Marlborough Village District.”

As a result, a public hearing is currently scheduled for Monday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall. The Council need to pass any changes to the Marlborough Village District Ordinance and in this case, allow for roof decks. If the needed approval is given, Bergeron expects this project to break ground in April 2019.

No posts to display