MARLBOROUGH – Two housing proposals – one already approved by the city, the other in preliminary stages – could spruce up Lincoln Street, or make it more congested.
During a public hearing conducted by the City Council on Nov. 21, Terrence Morris, on behalf of 272 Lincoln St. LLC, presented preliminary plans for a 12-unit, multifamily dwelling with accessory parking.
Morris said the developer is requesting a special permit because of zoning. The site is located within the Neighborhood Business District.
The project would be situated on a corner lot, next to the Assabet River Rail Trail. It has been designed to have 18 out of 24 parking spots inside the building with access off both Cashman and Lincoln streets.
“We were able to remove parking from the street,” said architect Ron Burke.
He added that the project would include rooftop solar, heat pumps for residents and a pocket park at the corner closest to the rail trail.
All 12 units would be rentals, said Morris.
The proposed project would replace a former auto repair building and a billboard.
Resident Steve Peck asked about charging stations for electric vehicles. Morris said spaces within the garage would be ready for electric vehicles.
In addition, Morris said the building will be all electric – no oil or natural gas to produce heat and hot water.
Church members voice concerns
Several members of the nearby Sts. Anargyori Greek Orthodox Church on Central Street – just down the street from the proposed housing project – praised the design of the project, but they voiced concerns about the potential of increased traffic.
One church member said, “It’s a horror show on Sunday” with traffic between their church and the Immaculate Conception Church just down the street.
Other church members, including Nick Kalfas, were concerned about having another housing project in the area. In June, the city approved plans for Alta Marlborough at 283-325 Lincoln St.
“There’s no need for more local housing in the area,” he said.
City Council members also voiced their support of the project, but they requested more information about the site plan.
The proposal has been sent to the council’s Urban Affairs Committee.
About Alta Marlborough
Just down Lincoln Street, on the other side of the Assabet River Rail Trail, Alta Marlborough will consist of three buildings (a parking garage with 448 spaces; two mixed-use buildings with ground-floor retail and 276 dwelling units; 22 off-street parking spaces and a restroom for those using the rail trail).
The units will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments; a total of 28 units will be affordable.
Alta Marlborough LLC (Wood Partners) has estimated that the project will house approximately 25 school-age children, since 58% of the units will be one-bedroom.
There will be an outdoor terrace, and bicycle parking in the garage.
The project is scheduled to be completed in about two years.
The plans for Alta Marlborough are available at https://www.marlborough-ma.gov/
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