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Planning Board recommends downtown zoning changes for Oct. 21 Town Meeting
Summary
The Planning Board recommended that Town Meeting consider zoning amendments to consolidate downtown zoning into a single Downtown Business district, allow more uses by right (including multifamily), and adopt a unified dimensional schedule with a maximum of four stories and 60‑foot height.
At its Sept. 2 meeting, the Town of Westborough Planning Board voted to recommend proposed zoning bylaw amendments intended to clarify and promote redevelopment in the downtown.
Town Planner Jenny Gingrich presented the draft amendments developed with the Zoning Working Group. Gingrich said the proposal would eliminate the Downtown Planning Overlay District and consolidate regulations under one Downtown Business (BB) base district, expand BB to commercial parcels currently zoned residential, and consolidate two dimensional tables into a single, clearer schedule. Gingrich said the changes "allow greater flexibility for those commercial uses" while retaining site plan review by the Planning Board and Design Review Board oversight for exterior changes and signage.
Key numeric provisions in the proposed bylaw include a maximum building height of 60 feet and a maximum of four stories, a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and a maximum front setback of 10 feet; Gingrich said multifamily housing would be allowed "by right" in the revised BB district to encourage mixed‑use development. The draft also updates and adds definitions (for example, "artisan production," "creative workspace," "mixed‑use development," and others) to clarify permitted activities and marketing of the downtown to prospective businesses.
During public comment, Brian Smith, owner of Brian's Auto and Truck Repair, asked whether existing automotive businesses would have to apply for special permits. Gingrich and a board member confirmed that existing, pre‑existing nonconforming uses may continue without a special permit so long as the use remains the same, but expansions or changes could require a special permit.
An unidentified board member moved that the Planning Board recommend passage of the proposed amendment package (sections 1.6, 3.6, 4.1, 4.7, 4.8, 6.2, 8.2, 5.3, 5.4 and section 5.1 Attachment 1 Use Regulation Schedule) to the Oct. 21 town meeting warrant. The motion was seconded and carried. Gingrich said the proposals and supporting documents are available on the town website and that the Planning Department will seek to present a brief overview at Town Meeting.
