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Planning board debates whether to expand "over‑55" zoning or focus on inclusionary multifamily housing
Summary
Members discussed the Affordable Housing Trust's revised housing production plan and debated whether expanding age‑restricted 'over‑55' housing is the right approach or whether the town should instead prioritize inclusionary zoning and multifamily options to keep families together.
The Southborough Planning Board spent part of its Nov. 10 meeting discussing updates to the town’s housing bylaws, including whether to expand 'over‑55' developments or emphasize inclusionary and multifamily zoning.
A board member cited Amy Dane’s report 'Exclusionary by Design' and argued that age‑restricted developments can be exclusionary to families and that the town should explore inclusionary zoning tools used by nearby Westborough and other communities. "The thinking now is, you know, with the state that 55 isn't really supported — it's exclusionary to families," the member said, urging a more holistic look at multifamily and mixed‑use alternatives.
Planning staff said the Affordable Housing Trust’s consultant, Community Skills, provided a revised housing production plan to the state agency (EOHLC) after minor comments were addressed. Board members agreed the town’s zoning code may require broader updates and flagged the difficulty of doing a full overhaul in a single step. Several members recommended reviewing previous comprehensive zoning work (ZAC/Judy Barrett materials) and suggested compiling a prioritized list of code changes to pursue.
No formal vote was taken; staff and trustees will continue work with the Affordable Housing Trust and consultants and return with proposals or draft language for future meetings.
