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Developer pitches mixed‑use rezone for One Research Drive, promises large investment and mitigation talks
Summary
Ferris Development urged voters to approve a zoning map amendment that would allow mixed‑use redevelopment of a large office/parking parcel near Route 9, outlining a proposed $150 million investment and offering mitigation commitments; Select Board members split over spot‑zoning concerns and the need for a broader corridor plan.
Developer David Ferris asked the Town of Westborough on Tuesday to back a zoning map amendment for a parcel at One Research Drive that he said would unlock mixed‑use redevelopment and boost the town’s commercial tax base.
Ferris, speaking for Ferris Development Company, told the Select Board the proposal would allow housing, office, retail and related uses on land now limited by existing industrial/office zoning. He said the company could deliver “a $150 million investment into the community that should return to the taxpayers $2 to $3 million” a year in additional taxable revenue, and that he was willing to discuss specific mitigation payments and a development agreement to guarantee town benefits.
The proposal drew lengthy questions and divided the board. Supporters said the office market in the corridor is struggling and that mixed‑use redevelopment could reactivate nearby properties, spur amenities for workers, and raise tax revenue. “This is an opportunity without going full zone,” Select Board member Mark said, noting Ferris’ willingness to negotiate protections and public benefits.
Opponents warned that rezoning a single owner’s parcel to a new district could amount to spot zoning and asked for a more coordinated corridor strategy. Select Board member Patrick said he supported reinvigoration of the area but wanted a broader plan developed with neighboring landowners and state partners: “I would encourage the applicant to partner with the state, the town, and other property owners…to develop a more robust long‑term, mutually beneficial rezoning effort.”
Board members pressed Ferris representatives on legal and procedural protections. Brian Charville, Ferris’ operations executive, pointed to recent Attorney General guidance in other communities that found corridor rezoning can be lawful when it advances “a legitimate public planning purpose.” Ferris’ team said they would be willing to enter a written development agreement specifying mitigation, phasing and site protections before any final approvals.
Planning Board and Advisory Finance Committee support: Ferris noted the Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning recommendation and that the Finance Committee had also endorsed the concept based on the projected economic returns. Several board members said they welcomed a written development agreement but remained wary of a standalone rezoning that could invite follow‑on change by neighboring parcels.
What’s next: The Select Board voted to place the article on the Town Meeting warrant for a town vote after extended debate; the issue is expected to draw public comment at Town Meeting. Ferris said his team will continue to work with town staff and the Planning Board on detailed site and mitigation plans if voters approve the map change.
Board documents and slides provided by Ferris, and town staff presentations, are available in the Town Meeting packet.
