The Town of Northborough Planning Board on Jan. 7 continued a public hearing on a definitive subdivision application for 0, 200, 220 and 250 Southwest Cutoff to 6 p.m. on Feb. 4, 2025.

The requested continuance came after the applicant, James Almonte of Land Design Collaborative, presented a definitive subdivision plan for properties submitted by Northborough Properties Realty Trust and described the filing as a step to “freeze” the current zoning while no immediate development is proposed. Almonte said the 58-acre site, on the west side of Route 20 and adjacent to Northborough Crossing, would be split into two lots with a short subdivision road and a revised lot layout; the filing includes grading, drainage and utility details for review.

Almonte told the board the submission is intended to preserve the zoning established by the earlier preliminary plan and that the owners, identified in the hearing as the Kimbells, have no immediate plans to construct the subdivision road or buildings. He summarized the plan’s changes from the preliminary filing: shortening the proposed road from roughly 300 feet to about 185 feet to reduce impervious area; reconfiguring the two lots so they are more equal in size; and adding details on grading, stormwater, utilities, street trees and lighting. Lot 1 was described as about 24 acres (approximately 97% upland) and Lot 2 about 35.5 acres (approximately 85% upland). Almonte also described an existing intermittent stream and two small unconfirmed wetland areas; a small portion of the northeast site is inside Groundwater Protection Overlay District 3, per the plans.

Planning staff and outside reviewers raised items that will require written responses and plan revisions. Laurie Connors, planning staff, said she submitted a comment letter noting plan inconsistencies and requests for additional erosion-control and drainage detail. A reviewer identified as Vinny submitted stormwater comments the applicant expects will take more time and calculations to address. Josh (staff) said he would reserve detailed sewer comments until the final proposed site user is known, noting the submission currently shows a possible force main connection to a pump station on Route 20 but that the site may be able to use on-site wastewater depending on future use.

The historic district commission submitted a letter endorsing the proposed street name; Bob Light, chair of the Historic District Commission, spoke during public comment to record that the commission had no objections and called the suggested name “very appropriate.” No other public commenters raised objections during the hearing.

Board members voted to continue consideration of the subdivision application to Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. The roll call recorded the following votes: Amy (Aye), Millie (Aye), Anthony (Aye) and Bill (Aye). No final approvals were taken at the Jan. 7 hearing; the applicant will supply written responses and revised plans addressing stormwater, utilities and other staff comments before the next session.

The board expects a revised plan set and written responses from the applicant prior to the continued hearing.