Developer proposes rezoning near Route 9 to add about 200 housing units at Eagle Rock site in Framingham

Eagle Rock representatives said they plan to seek a zoning map change to extend the town—s B (business) district onto part of a neighboring, mostly vacant lot to allow mixed‑use development that would add roughly 200 housing units behind the Eagle Rock at Metro West complex near Route 9.

Attorney Catherine Garahan, presenting for the applicant, told the Planning and Zoning subcommittee that the combined land between the two parcels is about 42 acres, "39 of those are in Framingham, 4 of the Marinadic," and that the site is split between B and R‑1 zoning. Garahan described a concept in which about an acre and a half of the front lot and roughly 14 acres of the lower lot would be rezoned to B to allow a mixed‑use special permit and subsequent site plan review. "The inclusionary housing requirements of the zoning ordinance would apply," she said.

Jim Hausman, representing Eagle Rock, said the company bought Bayberry (which they now call Eagle Rock at Metro West) and a second nearby community two-and-a-half years ago and has invested in capital improvements. "We put about $4,000,000 and change into it already in capital to improve it. We got another $2,000,000 or so, earmarked for that community," Hausman said. He said the owner is open to either rental or for‑sale housing and to discussing a higher share of affordable units than the 13 percent required under the city—s new inclusionary bylaw.

Economic development director Sarkisian asked whether for‑sale units were being considered; Hausman replied that Eagle Rock is "open to for sale. We are open to a rental project." Sarkisian also noted the city recently increased its inclusionary requirement to 13 percent and said his recommendation would be to capture the higher affordability share on new development.

Councilors who spoke at the meeting generally signaled support for further exploration. Councilor Tracy Bryant asked for an overview of the proposal and raised questions about density and environmental impact; presenters said the concept would avoid most wetlands and the stream that crosses the property. Councilor Leon Bruno and others encouraged considering some for‑sale units to broaden support and noted benefits for the existing Eagle Rock community.

Garahan and the applicant emphasized the sketch is preliminary: the developer—s engineers identified developable portions of the lot above wetlands and sewer easements but not the lower wetland areas. "A portion of the top lot is suitable for development, but not the bottom part," Garahan said. If the zoning map amendment is approved, the applicant said it would return for site plan review and a special permit for mixed use; the city—s inclusionary housing requirements would apply.

The subcommittee discussed next steps and follow‑up meetings. Councilors asked the applicant to supply clearer site sketches and to meet with staff for process guidance; staff agreed to coordinate follow up on process and materials.

Votes at a glance (meeting items related to zoning procedure): The committee later voted to recommend that the City Council be added to the special‑permit granting authority for projects with buildings over 75,000 square feet (motion passed by roll call; see provenance). Approval of the meeting minutes (Feb. 19 and March 10) was also recorded with a minor editorial correction (999 → 990) and carried by roll call.

Why it matters: The proposed map change would remove a split zone and allow a mixed‑use project that the developer says could stabilize and complement investment already made at Eagle Rock at Metro West. Because the site touches wetlands and sits partly in other jurisdictions, the exact buildable area and final unit count will depend on engineering, conservation review and the special‑permit/site‑plan process.

What happens next: The developer and city staff will exchange follow‑up materials, sketches and scheduling. Any rezoning would require a formal zoning map amendment process, public hearings and a special‑permit/site‑plan review before the full City Council and appropriate boards.