Local developer proposes mixed-use building in South Acton and addresses parking concerns

The Acton Select Board meeting on April 28, 2025, highlighted significant discussions regarding a proposed mixed-use development in South Acton. The project aims to combine commercial spaces on the ground floor with residential units above, including plans for the old fire station. However, concerns were raised about the adequacy of parking spaces for the development.

One board member pointed out that the zoning regulations for South Acton Village require one and a half parking spaces per residential unit. With eight residential units planned, this would necessitate at least twelve parking spaces. Currently, the proposal includes only nine spaces, raising questions about whether this would meet community needs.

Additionally, the layout of the building was discussed, with concerns about its parallelogram shape not aligning with the street. The board member suggested that the design could be adjusted to maximize space and potentially increase parking availability. There was also a debate about the necessity of including a small pocket park in the development, given the proximity of several existing parks in the area.

The board expressed openness to revising the proposal to better accommodate parking and layout concerns. A new mock-up of the building was presented, indicating a willingness to explore different configurations that could enhance the project's viability.

As the meeting concluded, the board emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the development, signaling a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of South Acton residents. The discussions set the stage for further refinements to the project, aiming to balance development with community resources effectively.