Planning board approves special permit for Worcester Community Midwifery Center at 333 Shrewsbury Street

The Worcester Planning Board on Oct. 1 approved a Commercial Corridors Overlay District special permit allowing Worcester Community Midwifery Center to open a midwife‑led birthing center and two second‑floor apartments at 333 Shrewsbury Street, the historic Coca‑Cola Bottling Company building. The vote was 5–0.

The permit allows about 14,000 square feet of the building to be converted for clinical use and two residential units on the second floor. The applicant told the board the lease covers an approximately 16,550‑square‑foot portion of the building and showed plans for an approximately 800‑square‑foot outdoor “labor garden” and removal of some pavement in favor of landscaping.

Why it matters: Midwifery‑led birth centers are rare in Massachusetts and supporters said the project will expand local maternal‑health options. Community members and clinicians told the board that the center would improve access for families who currently travel long distances for midwife care and that expanded local care could reduce risk for pregnant people in labor.

What the board heard: Attorney Joe Duquette presented the application for Community Midwifery Center, saying the use would be locally owned and would include clinical space, training and support functions. Planning staff noted the building is in the MG‑2 zoning district and within the CCOD; because a clinic and two‑unit residential use are not allowed by right in that configuration, the applicant requested the CCOD special permit to permit the mixed use.

Planning staff and the applicant discussed off‑site parking. The site plan shows about 43 spaces on the property, plus an off‑site accessory lot across Shrewsbury Street with 55 spaces available for building tenants and visitors; the applicant said staff will be encouraged to park off‑site to keep close spaces available for clients. The applicant agreed to relocate the dumpster away from the front yard and to review opportunities to expand the labor garden where site constraints allow. Duquette said some parking close to the entrance is critical: “People who are about to give birth want to be in very close proximity to the entrance of those doors,” he said.

Community reaction: Several public commenters — including clinical staff and local nonprofit leaders — spoke in favor. “This is truly a public‑health issue,” community speaker Shaiasia said, urging the board to approve the application because the center would reduce travel time for pregnant families and broaden options. Joelle Ward, a UMass labor‑and‑delivery nurse, and Dodie Swope of the Together for Kids Coalition also voiced support.

Conditions and next steps: The board approved the special permit subject to planning staff’s recommended conditions (listed in the staff memo), including final site and circulation details, relocation of the dumpster, and a recommendation that the applicant expand landscaping and site amenities where feasible. The applicant will continue review with the Worcester Historical Commission for exterior changes.

Board action: The board closed the public hearing and approved the special permit 5–0.

Ending: The project now moves to follow‑up site and historic‑review steps; planning staff will track final permit conditions and the applicant’s coordination of off‑site parking, landscaping and accessibility measures.