Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board backs M1 zoning revisions and formally supports BWALT trail work
Summary
The planning board voted 4‑0 to recommend changes to M1 district rules that add dimensional standards and streamline municipal project review, and separately approved formal support for continued work on the Boston‑Worcester Airline Trail (BWALT).
The Westborough Planning Board on Feb. 18 recommended a zoning article that revises sections 5.3 and 5.4 and the M1 use regulation schedule to add dimensional standards, update permitted uses, and remove a requirement that new municipal projects obtain dimensional approvals at town meeting.
Planner Jenny Gingris said the M1 district historically lacked dimensional controls and the proposed changes set a 5‑foot default setback with a one‑story maximum height in most cases (height and stories would follow the abutting district where relevant). The revision also clarifies the use table (for example, allowing seasonal Christmas‑tree sales and updating indoor/outdoor recreation allowances) and routes municipal project review to the planning board site‑plan process instead of using town meeting to set dimensional controls.
Board members discussed concerns about potential use‑table edits and the risk that selectively opening the table could invite broader changes at town meeting; staff said any further use changes would require an amendment to the warrant. After discussion the board voted 4‑0 to recommend the M1 revisions at town meeting.
Separately, the board voted to send a letter to the Select Board supporting continued, transparent work to complete the Boston‑Worcester Airline Trail (BWALT/Beewalt), citing public‑health, safety and community benefits. That motion passed 4‑0.
What’s next: Both articles will appear on the town meeting warrant; staff will present the proposals to the Advisory Finance Committee ahead of the March 22 meeting.
