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Planning Board approves 180 Franklin Street multifamily project, grants waivers and inclusionary housing special permit
Summary
After revisions and board questions, the Planning Board approved multiple permits for the 180 Franklin Street redevelopment, including a waiver for the drive aisle width, a special permit for multifamily use over 30,000 sq ft, major site plan review, inclusionary housing compliance and a reduction of four parking spaces.
The Framingham Planning Board voted to approve a package of permits and waivers for the redevelopment of 180 Franklin Street on Feb. 20, including drive‑aisle relief, major site plan approval, and inclusionary housing compliance.
Terry Morris, attorney for the applicant, summarized a set of design revisions made in response to prior board comments. Architect Jim Chen and owner Charles Zamuto were present; Morris noted the team increased active roof area, maximized solar panels, refined the building’s center core and revised the rear wall with landscaping and punched openings to reduce a blank parking‑wall appearance.
The board considered and approved the following actions in sequence: a waiver for the drive‑aisle width reduction, a special permit for multifamily use over 30,000 square feet, major site plan review (standard conditions), the inclusionary housing special permit, and a special permit to reduce parking by four spaces. Each motion passed after the chair asked "All those in favor?" and members responded affirmatively; the transcript records the votes as approved without a detailed roll call.
Applicant materials filed with the board show a six‑story building massing with materials and stepped elements intended to reduce perceived bulk. The applicant confirmed compliance with inclusionary housing obligations and said the garage aisle widths meet the conditions shown on the final plan, with a limited relief request for four parking spaces.
Why it matters: The approvals authorize a large multifamily redevelopment under the city’s zoning and inclusionary housing rules. The approvals include design concessions and waivers that will shape the project’s final form and how it integrates with surrounding properties.
What’s next: The applicant and staff will finalize permit conditions and coordinate any outstanding peer‑review and engineering details required by standard conditions; building and stormwater permits remain separate processes.
