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Planning board approves revised Silver Hollow planting plan after resident concerns about privacy and maintenance
Summary
The Town of Westborough Planning Board approved revisions to the Silver Hollow subdivision planting plan that relocate previously clustered trees into open space and along roadways; residents asked that some trees be sited nearer private lots and confirmed developers will maintain plantings until HOA turnover.
The Town of Westborough Planning Board voted to approve a revised planting plan for the Silver Hollow subdivision on March 18 after hearing resident concerns over tree placement, erosion and site cleanup.
Barry Atchison of WDA Design Group, representing Silver Hollow Estates, told the board the updated plan eliminated an originally proposed cluster of about 61 trees and relocated 11 trees formerly shown in cul-de-sacs into open-space and roadway-adjacent locations after consultation with the town tree warden Kyle Grendall and the project landscape architect. "There was a proposed 61 trees up in this area here...they didn't really serve the purpose that they wanted, so they were eliminated," Atchison said.
Residents raised practical concerns. Rohit Shinde (Lot 262, Barred Owl) told the board that several lots have no trees and asked whether the developer could coordinate additional plantings closer to private yards; he offered that "we are more than happy to water and take care of these trees over the next 2 years." Other residents reported construction debris in open space and puddling in backyards.
Board members and staff responded that the developer will continue to water young trees until the homeowners association (HOA) officially takes responsibility; homeowners remain free to plant additional trees on private lots provided they avoid utilities and call 811 before digging. Planning staff noted that as-built plans are held by the planning department and engineering/DPW will inspect grading, erosion-control work and site cleanup before final acceptance and road acceptance.
A planning board member moved to approve the modifications "as shown on plan entitled as built planting plan prepared by WDA design group revised on 03/17/2025." The motion was seconded and carried; the transcript records the motion and a board vote in favor but does not include a roll-call tally by name.
The board closed public comment by directing residents with specific site issues (debris, drainage, tree locations) to follow up with DPW, engineering and planning staff so outstanding items can be addressed during the as-built review prior to road acceptance. The board also advised homeowners that, once the HOA is turned over, the HOA becomes responsible for landscape maintenance.
The planning board will monitor final as-built submissions and engineering signoffs before granting road acceptance.
