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Planning Board approves ANR to split 73–79 West Main Street; 79 slated for adult day care
Summary
The planning board approved an ANR dividing 73 and 79 West Main Street; the owner plans to sell 79 to an individual who intends to operate an adult day care in the existing building, and the board discussed shared-easement, parking and MassDOT right-of-way issues.
The Town of Northborough Planning Board approved an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan to divide 73 and 79 West Main Street into two lots, clearing the way for the owner to sell 79 West Main to a buyer who plans to open an adult day care in the existing building.
Laurie, a planning staff member, presented the ANR and said the proposal complies with the three ANR criteria the board must consider: frontage, access and adequacy of Route 20 to support the division. Laurie noted the property currently houses the Hillside Grill, and that the zoning board of appeals had recently approved the special permit for the adult day care.
Board members focused on how access, parking and utilities would be shared between the two lots. Laurie said the subdivider expects to record an easement so that parking, utilities and access remain shared; she said a separate easement plan would spell out the details. Members also discussed whether the dotted line on the submitted plan represented an easement or a retaining wall; staff confirmed the easement line will be clarified in the easement documents.
Members asked whether creating separate lots with existing buildings could create nonconformities. Laurie explained that ANR approval looks only at the three tests (frontage, access and adequacy) and that exceptions and nonconformity handling are addressed in the ANR handbook. She said a scenario in which lots are created with insufficient area typically results in a note that the lot is “not buildable,” which prevents the issuance of a new building permit; in this case, Laurie said, the proposal has sufficient area and setbacks and the ANR met the criteria.
A motion to approve the ANR for 73 and 79 West Main Street passed by roll call; recorded ayes included Bill Pierce, Millie Milton and Carter Brannon. The board asked staff to circulate case studies and the ANR handbook exceptions to members for further reference.
