MARLBOROUGH – A proposal to create a Retirement Community Overlay District, in order to build an over-55 development on Robin Hill Street, has been withdrawn without prejudice.
Following a negative recommendation from the Planning Board on Nov. 27, the City Council voted to approve the withdrawal during its meeting on Dec. 4.
Two parcels, currently zoned light industrial, would have been purchased by Pulte Homes LLC. The proposed development would have included three, 50-unit buildings, along with 57 townhouses.
Abutters, including Hillside School, had several objections, including a project of that size along a scenic road; that up to 15 acres would have been torn up; and that there was only one access road to and from the development.
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Also, an attorney representing Hillside School said that the proposed amendment to create the overlay district was not properly initiated and should be withdrawn.
In a letter to the City Council, the Planning Board and the city solicitor dated Nov. 17, attorney Harley C. Racer said that Pulte Homes was a prospective buyer and not the individual landowner. According to Racer, this is in violation of both city ordinance and state law.
“The zoning amendment would affect districts throughout the city of Marlborough other than the district of the proposed project. For these reasons, the zoning amendment must be withdrawn and not considered,” said Racer.
In its negative recommendation, the Planning Board cited concerns about traffic on a roadway that could not be widened; and the height of the buildings so close to a neighborhood of single-family houses.
