[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6745683,"mediaKeyId","5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234","parentId",5380285,"title","Committee seeks city-solicitor opinion on proposed amendment to sections 7.3/7.4 for abandoned single‑ and two‑family dwellings","audioSeconds",1054,"startMs",1012000,"endMs",2066000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234&start=1012&end=2066","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234/thumbnail_1012000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6745683/Woburn-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-seeks-city-solicitor-opinion-on-proposed-amendment-to-sections-7374-for-abandoned-single-and-twofamily-dwellings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745683-63d1d11c027faeb91cac7139674a3b88/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430170&Signature=CRZH3SBK0b2deUrihJrUqrL228htEW8C-1m79jvVIYkeqx0zzfkpTKNDg6dIBGipiOXGjMxhqvdDgsOz1CbuCGpt0x3hDRSiKp4NeTnT2BIpQVGoJsZU8ols4LhIBMC8PeB2UGLcHHqshtxLeMj6eh1b2I4ICiCicsL-7DlaQGeGTXwGCxpaQAobB2~NSmqsYVzx65i7b0tzmjFfLG1oATY9arOMdejGuk0tNKljJ2VBjTxlQAYBun6Jps-ENJ~n9ejr5cGoszR60THOPR1p3xm8UJDCNIJ~PPPe1Myh6K-DKiIesY4aJtGPYl33ffI9sNPgTgrZkIc0I0VnOgImjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Woburn Public Media Center","date","2025-07-10T17:41:00Z","article","CB Silver LLC sought an amendment to Woburn’s zoning ordinance that would allow the city council to act as the special‑permit granting authority to reinstate abandoned nonconforming single‑ and two‑family residences in the city’s residential districts (R‑1 through R‑4 and S‑1). Under current ordinance language cited by the petitioner, a residential nonconforming use that is unused for two years loses its nonconforming status under sections 7.3/7.4, and a later attempt to restore the prior use would be subject to current zoning (including dimensional requirements and ZBA variances).

Attorney Tabby told the committee the property at issue obtained title in March 2024 and that a now-lapsed 2020 building permit for a two‑family renovation left the owner unable to complete the permitted project. After a Historic Commission determination the property did not qualify for relief there, the petitioner said the only remaining option was an ordinance amendment to allow council review on a case‑by‑case basis for reinstating residential uses.

Councilors questioned whether the amendment would create a loophole that encourages speculative delay or enable conversions beyond the intended scale. Several councillors raised a specific concern about the interaction with a recent state accessory‑dwelling‑unit (ADU) law: they asked whether a special permit granted under the proposed amendment could be followed by an ADU application that increased unit counts beyond two. Attorney Tabby and multiple councilors noted the draft amendment would apply only to single‑ and two‑family homes and leave dimensional variance authority with the Zoning Board of Appeals. Several members asked for a legal opinion and for more detail on how many properties might be affected before any ordinance change.

By voice vote, the committee approved a motion to request a written legal opinion from City Solicitor Salvaty on the legality and likely impacts of the proposed amendment; the committee left the matter in committee pending that opinion and additional analysis.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Committees July 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","CB Silver LLC asked the ordinance committee to permit the city council to grant special permits to restore abandoned nonconforming single‑ and two‑family homes that have lost status under the two‑year lapse rule in sections 7.3 and 7.4 of the zoning ordinance.","taxTitle","Woburn City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",78425,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6745675,"Committee pauses review of 1 Richmond Park demolition/rebuild amid neighbor survey and demolition‑impact questions",3533,3541000,7565,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234&start=3541&end=7","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234/thumbnail_3541000.jpg","/articles/6745675/Woburn-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-pauses-review-of-1-Richmond-Park-demolitionrebuild-amid-neighbor-survey-and-demolitionimpact-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745675-07b3cb7481f1d547fd85839d611393ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430170&Signature=YM01eEhmhrdVow9QrudUFzl0Ng4YAGuB7PGdihaXfkvY1z-nN9n82sB30Gpf9fbqyT4H0LBXnWLTyLtB4IqO~lUlSG5~16YKMLq-yO4fwOYXEX2bpK345oQPMuRQpQhiRNje1uKgQt4EouHezgqa3AalH1K13qcz6b3zBixj4bnxYkk0RIFbjcpig9kdIoVODa7Lyv7nlRDNK1GwX-WeVp~KtV95lrHws4T6Fwx1mgrd1q4PYH4F6Pb10sRW5osQc87NWF4OLK4HDGZQApQ~ilVDxLHfLn1oSZnRi4YNgFcjCDX~KD1KBHa995qBpigQtdtXQDw0KRx4HO3AjqoQkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commonwealth Investment Properties presented revised site and elevation plans to demolish the existing structure at 1 Richmond Park and construct a new three‑unit dwelling (condominiums). The applicant described increased setbacks and increased landscape/open space (from 0% to 38.4%) and proposed a total of six off‑street parking spaces (one garage stall and one exterior stall per unit).

Neighbors raised a concern that an orange survey stake previously appeared to fall within the neighbor’s yard; the committee discussed whether a certified survey plan should be required before final approval. The applicant agreed to pre‑construction coordination with adjacent property owners, to remove a large tree that overhung the neighbor’s property, and to plant a replacement tree in the northeast corner of the site. The petitioner also agreed to install small front planters and to replace the rear fence; the committee set proposed construction hours and standard demolition controls.

Councilors also asked about demolition controls and dust suppression; the petitioner said asbestos and demolition work will follow applicable regulations and that water suppression and licensed abatement contractors will be used. The applicant estimated construction would take about 9–12 months once permits and demolition schedules are set. The committee voted to receive revised plans, require pre‑construction coordination with adjacent owners, and leave the petition in committee for follow‑up.","Petitioner seeks to demolish an existing building at 1 Richmond Park and replace it with a new three‑unit dwelling; neighbors raised survey‑line, demolition‑impact and driveway‑proximity concerns and the committee asked for additional coordination.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6745680,"Committee tables supermarket proposal for 112 Commerce Way, requests more traffic and mitigation detail",2424,3177000,5601000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234&start=3177&end=5601","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234/thumbnail_3177000.jpg","/articles/6745680/Woburn-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Committee-tables-supermarket-proposal-for-112-Commerce-Way-requests-more-traffic-and-mitigation-detail","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745680-43a68e865eba296906e84da795db5116/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430170&Signature=DX8QUdJy0WpmNoe5xXJ393FE~8X0ezIaILg7AUGnULNf9-xC4b6FXUQGTKHmmInQb5dCMvYR55gZT6fXLxi8~ohb31cNVS39AvX8HqRjWmr1h-k0k9ZtbSM-ees835Rr~t9ZG7GFqQ7MYNEiwLfos71lssVaW4c5hZ8haP1U3FhZqbnN8wxMhPO5x6yUdc5NKLoJLdX0yiV69lR7~1CFYcsoLTEaBHPbNVAlaOncIGKg33e-TGfDP5xxPahrMjoE4TWcoMR66PxJynkeJfe5OyBjC2DoE8q-9vT63P0CKWUk66yTsleXjB~lM2hb82AQdndjP7PSBI3MkVIbuY7RuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Anand Patel and project counsel presented revisions to previously issued special permits for 112 Commerce Way to accommodate a supermarket (under 22,000 sq ft), a 1,695‑square‑foot grab‑and‑go dining area (32 seats), and an internal reconfiguration. The petitioner submitted an updated floor plan (plan of record dated November 2024) and an amended parking analysis. The revised parking calculation showed a required count of 298 spaces and 296 provided; based on 296 spaces the site requires seven accessible (ADA) spaces — the parking lot currently has 11 accessible stalls.

The project team proposed mitigation measures to address off‑site traffic impacts. The city engineer’s memo and the project’s traffic consultant were discussed; options included a new video detection system and a controller upgrade for the nearby traffic signal. The proposed mitigation cost estimates discussed in the meeting varied: petition materials initially described a set of signal upgrades summing toward an approximate $54,000 figure; consultants later described a reduced, prioritized mitigation package described to the committee at roughly $26,000 for defined items. The petitioners and the city engineer left the exact mitigation package and cost allocation to committee discretion.

Committee members — citing observations about circulation at the Chipotle/Commerce Way driveway and how drivers use that right‑turn movement to enter the site — said they needed more detailed traffic and engineering answers, clarified peak‑hour definitions (Saturday midday roughly 12–1 p.m.; weekday evening roughly 5–6 p.m.) and asked specifically which mitigation item provides the largest operational benefit. Traffic modeling submitted for the file showed small average intersection delays attributable to the proposal (weekday evening +2.7 seconds; Saturday midday +1.2 seconds), but several councilors said they had observed operational and safety challenges at the Chipotle driveway not fully captured by the counts.

By voice vote the committee tabled the petition and asked staff to secure clearer traffic‑engineering guidance and a recommended mitigation package (and to convene with the city engineer); the item will return for further committee review.","The committee tabled a request to convert the former Bob’s Discount Furniture space at 112 Commerce Way into a supermarket and associated grab‑and‑go area, seeking more detailed traffic engineering and a clearer mitigation package.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6745688,"Council committee forwards two nominations — planning board and golf authority — to full council",549,33000,582000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234&start=33&end=582","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5380285-2f67ba845eeaad6f5aab9f8d71916234/thumbnail_33000.jpg","/articles/6745688/Woburn-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-committee-forwards-two-nominations-planning-board-and-golf-authority-to-full-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6745688-0b9e2ee2911f1c62f25bd1f6f8cefd1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770430170&Signature=Mbz9qEJU81h0o~vttn2hJLEIkkEdggsijVkhC-LC8SxMNiDi4FC77VGEFEmwCDt2tBhnnDSuIpmGdqg3h~Zige7NVTbvXu~aMpZDS6sYy4kkcwA17IRfA2FzblV1HPVd3x2Ke1lm9dQozFyGu1225lsYUa4lX-K214bKuZQcMPcR-vM1f5tQWHR~ZPCLwGeGDKLF6UX3MfFCop8DUP~2GLdfcBHb8dogBCgMJSnkzexDui-U0uRURlpgdDoYqMAnWBbt-b3CVCyk8sZqtyATXUlP9uxSSGYIqiBtARa~w9SFPp9Eii7AoZTgL9PR9Q9eRusqKqds9ZFRSVcffX2Q7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Talia Mote, a Woburn resident with professional planning experience that includes guiding clients through Boston’s Article 80 development-review process and state environmental reviews, was nominated for the Woburn Planning Board. She told the committee she intends to raise her family in Woburn and said her planning background would help the board “guide projects through permitting” and spot technical issues early.

Committee members praised Mote’s background and residency. Councilors highlighted planned local projects including the North Woburn mini-master plan and downtown traffic improvements and said they want a planning board member who understands both high-level permitting and local neighborhood impacts. The committee voted by voice to send the nomination out to pass; the full council is scheduled to vote at its next meeting.

The committee also forwarded the nomination of Thomas J. Quigley to the Woburn Golf and Ski Authority. Presenters noted Quigley’s long-term civic involvement, including Lions Club leadership and veterans’ advocacy, and described him as active in the community and experienced with the country-club/golf community. Quigley spoke briefly about his lifelong ties to Woburn and caddying at the Woburn Country Club as a youth. The committee voted by voice to send his appointment out to pass.

No roll-call tallies were recorded in the committee minutes; both items were advanced by standard committee motion and recorded as voice votes. The committee packet notes the appointments will appear on the full council agenda for final confirmation.","The Woburn City committee approved forwarding two appointments to the full council: Talia Mote for the Planning Board and Thomas J. Quigley for the Woburn Golf and Ski Authority. Both nominations were introduced with brief presentations and were sent out to pass by voice votes; the full council will vote at its next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee seeks city-solicitor opinion on proposed amendment to sections 7.3/7.4 for abandoned single‑ and two‑family dwellings

Committee pauses review of 1 Richmond Park demolition/rebuild amid neighbor survey and demolition‑impact questions

Committee tables supermarket proposal for 112 Commerce Way, requests more traffic and mitigation detail

Council committee forwards two nominations — planning board and golf authority — to full council