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Open Space Residential Design rewrite meets strong public pushback; board delays vote and asks sponsor to refine scope
Summary
A proposed expansion of Northborough’s Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) rules — including opening the option to a broader set of residential districts and allowing 1–4 units per structure — drew extensive debate from board members and residents over slopes, density, taxes and timing; the sponsor will revise the draft and bring it back for further review.
A substantial rewrite of the Town of Northborough’s Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) bylaw prompted extended debate Jan. 6 and ended with the Planning Board asking the sponsor to revise the proposal and gather additional feedback.
Board member Carter introduced amendments that would expand where OSRD can be used, replace the current mathematical yield analysis with a parcel‑specific "yield plan," and (in some drafts discussed) permit duplexes, triplexes and four‑unit structures as options to cluster development and permanently protect at least half of a parcel as open space.
Carter said the…
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