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Planning board recommends inclusionary zoning bylaw for town meeting
Summary
After a continuation of the public hearing, the planning board recommended Article 16 to replace Sec. 6.1a with an inclusionary zoning bylaw consolidating affordable‑housing requirements; the Westborough Affordable Housing Trust voiced support and town council suggested moving enforcement items into regulations.
The Planning Board voted Oct. 1 to recommend Article 16 — a proposed inclusionary zoning bylaw that would replace Section 6.1a (multifamily dwellings) in the Westborough zoning bylaw. The bylaw is intended to consolidate affordable‑housing requirements and clarify developer obligations.
Town planner Jenny Gingress summarized prior board discussion and a town‑council memo recommending that certain enforceability items be placed in planning board regulations rather than the bylaw itself. "Town council suggested that he would not recommend due to the enforceability of a bylaw compared to the regulations," Jenny said, and staff incorporated suggested revisions into the article packet.
Ed Bain, chair of the Westborough Affordable Housing Trust, said the trust reviewed the article and supports the amended bylaw, urging the board to back it at town meeting. After public comment, the board closed the hearing and moved to recommend passage of Article 16 at the fall town meeting; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board will present the article at town meeting and staff noted outreach materials and a town‑council memo are part of the record.
