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Zoning board approves Costco variance for taller lights and high retaining walls at 21 Cosmo Drive
Summary
The Zoning Board unanimously granted Costco a variance to allow taller lighting poles (36 feet) and retaining walls (up to ~31 feet) at 21 Cosmo Drive, citing steep site topography and public‑safety circulation needs; plan to require detailed photometric mapping at site‑plan review.
The Town of Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals on July 15 approved a variance for a proposed Costco at 21 Cosmo Drive that allows lighting poles taller than the bylaw’s 20‑foot limit and retaining walls that encroach on front and side setbacks.
Robert Buckley, counsel for the applicant, presented a site plan and simulations showing the site drops roughly 40 feet from Route 9 to the rear of the parcel; the proposed grading requires retaining walls in two locations to create a safe, level circulation area for pedestrians, delivery vehicles and parking. Buckley said the project team also proposes to use higher (36‑foot) light poles with Dark Sky–compliant shielding to reduce the number of poles and improve even illumination. "We feel confident that we could meet either [the old variance] test... but we also feel that this is really in a public benefit given the unique character of the land," Buckley said.
Board members questioned lighting impacts and asked for a photometric plan and assurance that shielding will prevent light spill onto abutting properties. Board members also noted there appear to be no residential abutters directly adjacent to the site; staff confirmed photometric and landscape details will be part of subsequent site‑plan and planning‑board review.
After closing the public hearing, a motion to approve the variance as drafted passed unanimously. Several members emphasized that detailed photometric plans and Dark Sky‑compliant fixtures should be included as conditions or as part of site‑plan review to ensure minimal off‑site light impact.
The applicant said they expect to finalize site plan details in the coming weeks and proceed to planning and building permits after the variance is issued.
