Westborough Woods Access Options Being Explored

Westborough school officials' pursuit of access to the proposed Westborough Woods housing project besides from Route 9 now involves Town Counsel Greg Franks doing research.

School Committee Vice Chairman Stephen Doret said Wednesday he recently asked Town Manager Jim Malloy for his support, and for permission to use Franks to support finding access to the site, at 346 Turnpike Road, near Otis Street, through another parcel.

Doret said Malloy has asked Franks to review documents related to the Westborough Little League and Softball's use of the nearby Target property, where there are playing fields.

Doret said he also has contacted Little League officials and asked for "their consideration of our needs."

School officials are concerned about student safety on school buses serving the proposed subdivision, which, as proposed, will be accessible only from Route 9. School buses would have to drive the cloverleaf at routes 9 and 20, school officials say.

School officials want town officials to support a second access to the property, for this reason.

The zoning board of appeals is holding a public hearing on developer 346 Turnpike Road's request for a comprehensive permit under the state's Chapter 40B affordable housing law. The hearing continues at 7:30 p.m. April 29.

The 314,230-square-foot project consists of 250 rental apartments, of which 62 would be affordable; a 6,234-square-foot clubhouse with outdoor swimming pool; and a 5,234-square-foot retail building, according to the Sept. 7 Certificate of the state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs on the Environmental Notification Form.

In February, town consultant Robert Nagi told the zoning board that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is “comfortable” with Westborough school buses traveling on Route 9 to serve Westborough Woods.

Doret said that "I wouldn't give up on our requests, no matter what" the zoning board's decision, "because we still may be able to come up with a solution."