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EDC hears planning updates: WRTA micro‑transit, Route 9 corridor study, zoning articles and branding meeting
Summary
Westborough planning staff briefed the EDC on WRTA recommendations to expand micro‑transit and a long‑term Route 15 extension, zoning warrant articles (ADUs and dimensional control revisions), and a Feb. 24 branding and wayfinding public meeting; staff also gave business‑guide and site‑readiness updates.
Planning and community‑development staff updated the Economic Development Committee on regional transit recommendations, zoning warrant items, and local branding and business outreach.
Jenny from the Planning Department summarized the final WRTA report, which recommends expanding micro‑transit service and issuing the service for bid; a long‑term recommendation would extend Route 15 from Worcester through Shrewsbury to Northborough Crossing and then to Westborough along Route 9 and downtown, though that option would require significant funding and is a multi‑year prospect.
Jenny also reminded the committee that two zoning articles are on the town‑meeting warrant: one addressing accessory dwelling units and another revising sections 5.3 and 5.4 (the table of dimensional controls) intended to realign the M‑1 district’s review authority with state law. She advised the committee the changes would move some permitting discretion back to the planning board where appropriate.
Lara Crawford, community development coordinator, outlined the branding and wayfinding project and announced a public meeting on Feb. 24 at Great Hall to review consultant recommendations (color, typeface and placement plans). Crawford also provided an update on the business guide (draft ~17–18 pages), ambassador program expansion, outreach to employers (including Cumberland Farms and Amazon robotics contacts) and efforts toward site‑readiness grant opportunities. Staff noted the proposed Starbucks at 210 Turnpike remains in the planning‑board process with a hearing Feb. 25; members were reminded to submit comments if they wish to be heard in that forum.
Committee members asked about the former UNO property, where the interior kitchen was reportedly removed and a demolition permit has been issued; staff confirmed that substantial tenant fit‑out will be required for restaurant reuse. Members also heard that Big Y construction is underway with a tentative June opening.
Staff asked committee members to help with outreach—ambassadors for events, sponsor solicitation and awardee contacts—and agreed to return with additional details at the next meeting.
