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Developers introduce 122‑room Providence Street hotel; nearby condo association urges board to require traffic and noise analysis
Summary
ParkSilver Development introduced plans for a 122-room extended‑stay hotel at 277 Providence Street and the Planning Board continued the definitive site plan to July 9. Abutting Grove & Gardens Condominium trustees voiced concerns about traffic, noise, privacy, infrastructure and property values.
Worcester — ParkSilver Development introduced a plan for a 122‑room hotel at 277 Providence Street on Wednesday; the Planning Board allowed the developer to present the project and then voted 4-0 to continue the definitive site plan hearing to July 9 so staff and conservation review could proceed.
Attorney Stephen Madaus (Myrick) said the developer has filed a definitive site plan and is working in parallel with the Conservation Commission to resolve wetland replication and stormwater matters. He asked the board to allow an introductory presentation while the Conservation Commission finalizes its order of conditions; the board agreed and set a continuation date so staff can review the final plans and the Conservation Commission outcome.
Jay Garcia, representing the Grove & Gardens Condominium trustee board, spoke during public comment on behalf of 24 units that abut the proposed hotel site. The trustees’ written statement and Garcia’s remarks expressed opposition to the extended‑stay hotel, citing concerns about increased traffic and congestion on local and private roads, pedestrian and cyclist safety, noise, loss of privacy for residents, strain on local infrastructure and services (waste disposal, water, emergency services), and potential long‑term effects on property values and neighborhood character.
A resident who spoke in favor of the project said the hotel would be an asset and could boost local businesses. Planning staff said the applicant has responded to many of the division’s recommendations already and that a revised site plan is expected after Conservation Commission action; staff emphasized traffic analyses and final replication details would be reviewed when the applicant returns.
Board members signaled interest in seeing a traffic impact study and the Conservation Commission’s final decision before taking action. The board motioned to continue the definitive site plan to July 9 to avoid duplicating conservation review and to ensure the public had an opportunity to comment on the final materials.
The continuation preserves the public comment record and leaves the formal site‑plan review for the July 9 meeting, after the Conservation Commission has had time to act and staff has had a chance to complete its review.
