MARLBOROUGH – It took an appeal, a trip to the Land Court, mediation and revisions, but the plans to bring 140 multifamily units to 339 Boston Post Road East appears ready to go.
On a 10-1 vote, the City Council approved the revised special permit, with conditions, for the Walcott Heritage Farms Project during its meeting on Sept. 12.
Proposed to be located at the McGee Farm, WP Marlborough MA LLC, made several changes to the proposed project.
Just over a year ago, the City Council rejected the special permit for the project. Several councilors argued that the project would have a negative impact on traffic. The applicant appealed their decision to Land Court, and a judge remanded it back to City Council.
Among the changes, the number of buildings was decreased from four to three, and the number of affordable units will be increased to 20%. Additionally, the number of electric vehicle charging stations will increase to four.
Construction of Walcott won’t begin until April 14, 2023, and issuing a building permit will be conditioned upon that construction can’t begin until that date.
Before the building permit is issued, the applicant will provide a $200,000 payment to the city that will be used by the City Council for the study, design and construction of a traffic signal at the intersection Route 20, Village Drive, and the site’s main entrance. Additionally, before the permit is issued, the applicant will provide $20,000 to be used by the council to study and/or fund shared transportation options to provide access between the site and its neighbors and downtown.
Within six months after the final certificate of occupancy is issued, the applicant will request the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to reconsider a traffic signal based on traffic data reflecting the project’s full occupancy.
Details on the revised permit is available via tinyurl.com/4x72a4vu.
Councilors, abutters weigh in on Walcott Heritage Farms
While one abutter to the property supported the revised permit, other abutters still had objections, with traffic on Route 20 topping the list.
The majority of councilors supported the revised special permit, citing the level of control maintained by the city, and the risk of losing that control should the permit be turned down and the matter thrown back to a judge.
“It’s important to know what’s at stake,” said Councilor Laura Wagner. “With the vote, we hold on to control. … The developer significantly changed the scope [of the project].”
Councilor Katheen Robey said, “If we don’t approve this, we don’t know what will come out.”
“We approve the project. We can continue to work on mitigation,” said Councilor Samantha Perlman. “It’s so important we vote for the project.”
Councilor Mark Oram, who had rejected the special permit when it was first before the City Council, was the sole “no” vote.
“The developer seems willing to work with us,” he said. “I’m willing to see a judge.”
RELATED CONTENT ON WALCOTT HERITAGE FARMS PROJECT
Marlborough City Council sets public hearing for revised Walcott application
Developers settle with city in Marlborough Walcott housing project appeal
Developers file appeal after City Council rejects Walcott project
Marlborough City Council rejects special permit for Walcott development
Residents continue opposition to Walcott Heritage Farms project
