Westborough EDC endorses Article 14 to loosen downtown zoning restrictions ahead of fall town meeting

The Town of Westborough Economic Development Committee voted at its October meeting to endorse Article 14, a proposed amendment to the downtown zoning bylaw that planning staff will bring to the Special Fall Town Meeting.

Jenny, a planning department representative, told the committee the article would "allow more uses by right in the downtown zoning district as opposed to a discretionary permitting process through special permits or variances," and would ease dimensional controls to encourage creative redevelopment consistent with the town master plan and the downtown plan.

The committee moved to send a support letter and the motion passed on a roll-call vote. A letter read into the record described the amendment as "an important step towards thoughtful and sustainable growth in Westborough by encouraging redevelopment of underutilized parcels, supporting local business expansion, and creating housing opportunities." A committee member volunteered to present the committee's letter at Town Meeting.

Why it matters: the change would reduce permitting uncertainty for downtown projects and is framed by planning staff as a tool to spur redevelopment, economic activity and housing production in the downtown core. The endorsement does not itself change law; the amendment still requires Town Meeting approval.

Next steps: planning staff will present the Article 14 warrant materials to town meeting on Oct. 21. The EDC's letter of support will be provided to the Planning Board and Town Meeting members.

"Adopting this zoning change will expand economic opportunity and strengthen the tax base," the EDC's letter says.

The committee continued with updates on branding and wayfinding, tourism events and a series of small-business openings in town.