Westborough Affordable Housing Trust unanimously backs ADU zoning changes, sewer reforms, DPW grant and TV funding

The Westborough Affordable Housing Trust voted unanimously on a slate of actions at its March meeting, including a letter of support for proposed changes to Section 7.1 of the town zoning bylaws on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), backing a DPW grant application to rehab downtown clay sewer pipes, and authorizing a FY26 budget appropriation to cover Westborough TV livestream and archive services.

Chair opened the meeting in Memorial Hall and announced Ken Salzman had tendered his resignation but would remain available for consultation. The Trust then approved its February 14 minutes 4–0.

On ADUs, the Trust moved that it submit a letter of support for proposed changes to Section 7.1 of the zoning bylaws. Trustees said the amendment would make better use of existing housing stock, help families access starter housing, and allow older residents to remain in town; one trustee noted the changes would align local rules with state statute. The chair said the Trust would draft the letter for the Planning Board to use at Town Meeting. "Motion for the Westborough Affordable Housing Trust to submit a letter of support for the proposed changes to section 7.1 of the zoning bylaws for accessory dwelling units," the chair said; trustees voted 4–0 in favor.

The Trust also agreed to provide a letter of support for the Department of Public Works’ application for state and federal funds to rehabilitate downtown clay sewer pipes, a project trust members said would reduce risk of failures and increase capacity. Trustees emphasized that if any grant required a local match the town would return to Town Meeting for approval. The support motion passed 4–0.

On Town Meeting warrant articles, the Trust voted to support Article 18, which would fund survey, subdivision and appraisal work on the current senior center parcel at 4 Rogers Road ahead of the building’s planned move to 1500 Union Avenue. Trustees discussed delineating wetlands and preserving the playing fields, and acknowledged deed history involving the Westborough Housing Authority; the motion carried 4–0. The Trust also backed Article 22, which would revise sewer connection and privilege fee formulas (moving away from a uniform four‑bedroom assumption toward unit‑based sizing). Trustees noted the DPW director could waive connection fees for affordable housing applicants under the revised language; the Trust’s support was unanimous.

On budget matters, trustees considered a proposal from Westborough TV, which reported declining franchise revenues as residents move to streaming platforms. Trustee 5 moved to include $9,920 in the Trust’s FY26 budget to cover live streaming, editing, posting and archiving for up to 16 meetings; the motion passed 4–0. The chair instructed staff to coordinate invoicing and terms with the Town and Westborough TV.

The Trust also recommended to the Select Board that it exercise the town’s purchase option on a deed‑restricted two‑bedroom unit at 3112 Townsend Boulevard (Unit 190) if the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is unable to identify an eligible buyer within the required period. Trustees moved to appropriate $203,100 plus related fees to enable the purchase if needed; both motions were approved 4–0. The Trust noted it will ask the Select Board to take a concurrent vote and will notify EOHLC and the property broker.

The meeting closed after updates on development projects, rental assistance program funding, and housing inventory. The Trust adjourned and thanked Westborough TV for coverage.

What happens next: the Trust chair will draft the ADU support letter and staff will notify the Select Board, DPW and Westborough TV of the Trust’s votes. The recommendation on the Townsend Boulevard purchase option requires Select Board concurrence and potential action by EOHLC.