Committee reviews White Cliffs progress and flags Westborough State Hospital sale for future affordable-housing review

Committee members told the June 11 meeting that White Cliffs work is advancing, while the Westborough State Hospital property was sold to a local owner who has begun site test pits. Lori Connors said the new owner "has still not contacted me" about plans but staff understand the state imposed a minimum density requirement (reported in the discussion as four units per acre) when the site transferred.

Members discussed zoning implications and inclusionary zoning adopted at town meeting: because the anticipated project will likely exceed the 10-unit threshold, the town expects whatever minimum affordable-unit requirement the new bylaw sets will apply when a formal proposal reaches permitting. "We'll just have to see once this person gets ready to go for permitting that they present a project that has a proper number of affordable units," a committee member said.

Boundary Street redevelopment and a previously discussed partnership (not approved for a town warrant article this year after strong neighbor opposition) remain on hold. The committee also noted a ZBA site visit to One Church Street and a planned initial review on June 23.

Why it matters: property sales and redevelopment can change local housing supply and affordability. Inclusionary zoning could require a portion of new units to be affordable when a developer files plans.

What’s next: staff will monitor any owner contact and permit filings, and the committee will incorporate any new proposal details into the implementation matrix for Select Board review.