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Planning presents proposed Highway Business zoning changes for Route 9; EDC to await public hearing
Summary
Planning Director Jenny Gingras outlined a proposed revision to section 6.2 of the zoning bylaw to allow the Planning Board to grant open-space reductions in exchange for public benefits (land donations, sustainable design, or fees) for development along Route 9; committee chose not to take a formal position before the Planning Board public hearing.
Jenny Gingras, Westborough’s director of planning, presented draft amendments to the Highway Business zoning district (section 6.2) at the Sept. 10 Economic Development Committee meeting, explaining the changes would apply along Route 9 from the Northborough line to Connector Road.
Under the proposal, the Planning Board could grant a special permit to reduce the current 60% minimum open-space requirement for any development in the district in exchange for public-benefit amenities such as donated undeveloped land, on-site sustainable design (solar, energy-efficiency measures), or a fee-in-lieu. The draft sets the minimum open space at no less than 30% and establishes a points-based exchange: projects can earn up to 12 points through combinations of public benefits. LEED certification and other recognized sustainability standards were cited as eligible options; LEED platinum would earn the maximum points in that category.
Gingras said the change aims to make Route 9 more competitive with neighboring towns that have lower open-space requirements and to encourage mixed-use and sustainable development rather than large parking-lot–dominated uses. The regulations would delegate detailed calculations and eligible trade-offs to Planning Board rules and regulations, allowing the town to adjust specifics without returning to town meeting.
Committee members asked whether a fee-in-lieu might become the easiest option for developers and whether that would require future adjustments; Gingras said the fee calculation would be set in Planning Board regulations and could be revised through Planning Board hearings if it proved too permissive. The EDC chose not to vote on a formal position at this meeting, noting the Planning Board public hearing is scheduled and that the committee could consider a position after any revisions from that hearing.
Next steps: The Planning Board will hold a public hearing; the bylaw is scheduled for consideration at fall Town Meeting. The EDC may revisit the item after the Planning Board process concludes.
