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Westborough planning board flags parking and generator concerns for 20 Phillips Road emergency communications center
Summary
The board reviewed a ZBA referral to repurpose the former Y/school at 20 Phillips Road as a regional emergency communications center; members asked for generator noise mitigation and noted a discrepancy between the proposed 27 parking spaces and the zoning requirement of 50, which the ZBA may waive.
The Town of Westborough Planning Board reviewed a Zoning Board of Appeals referral for 20 Phillips Road, where an applicant proposes repurposing the former Y/school as a regional emergency communications center serving three communities.
Planning staff said the project would keep most of the building’s exterior intact, with limited changes that include a rear elevator and a backup generator. Chair Hazel Nurse raised concerns about generator noise near the YWCA daycare and nearby residences and asked that applicants provide sound baffling or other mitigation so the generator “doesn’t blow the entire neighborhood.” Planning staff responded the generator would be used only during emergencies and that mitigation similar to other town generators would apply.
Board members also questioned parking. One member noted application materials and the program’s parking requirement appeared to list 50 spaces, while the proposed site plan shows 27. Staff explained the zoning requirement is based on a program formula (20 anticipated staff on-site during periodic training sessions plus 30 trainees) producing a 50-space requirement; the applicant is proposing 27 spaces but may seek a waiver from the ZBA. Staff said employees and trainees would not all be on the same shift and that the ZBA route is often used so applicants avoid duplicate notice requirements for both boards.
The planning board’s role at this meeting was advisory: members agreed to forward their comments to the ZBA and to the design review board, which the applicant will need to engage for exterior work. Board members expressed support for preserving the building’s historic facade and requested that staff pass on questions about generator mitigation and parking to the ZBA docket.
The ZBA will consider the special permit and site plan review and will decide whether to grant any parking relief or impose conditions such as noise mitigation. The planning board did not take a formal vote on the project at this meeting; it prepared a memo of comments to the ZBA.
