MARLBOROUGH – A proposed over-55 community near Hillside School is drawing concerns from neighbors.
During a public hearing on Oct. 23, the City Council heard from attorney Brian Falk, who is representing Pulte Homes LLC.
Pulte is asking for a zoning amendment so that two parcels on Robin Hill Street could be developed into an over-55 community. The parcels, which total 28 acres, are currently zoned light industrial; Pulte is in the process of purchasing the parcels.
Should the amendment be approved, Pulte plans to build three, 50-unit buildings, along with 57 townhouses. There would be parking underneath the units. Amenities would include a clubhouse, pickleball courts and bicycle parking.
In addition, the units would be all-electric and have low-flow fixtures.
The units would be owned, and not rented. Pulte representatives said the proposal will help the city’s longtime residents downsize and still remain in Marlborough.
The cost for the units and townhouses could range from $400,000 to $800,000.
“We think it’s a great opportunity,” said Falk.
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Several residents pointed out that Robin Hill Street is designated a scenic road and is too narrow for the traffic using it already, let alone for a potential housing development.
“Four hundred-plus cars on an underserved roadway … it does not seem reasonable to me,” said resident Paul Pelletier.
“Traffic is a huge concern,” said resident Arlene Stetson. “I don’t want to live in a construction site for three-four years.”
Other residents were concerned about the possibility of having up to 15 acres of forest torn down for development – a concern shared by City Councilor Samantha Perlman.
“This is one of the last rural areas in the city,” she said.
City Councilors David Doucette and Laura Wagner asked whether there will be more than one access road to and from the development.
Falk and representatives from Pulte Homes emphasized that it’s early in the process and the plans could change.
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Monday, Nov. 13.
The proposed zoning amendment has been sent to the City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee.
