Real Estate

Westborough Woods Gets Conditional OK

The zoning board of appeals will issue its final approval May 20.

The Westborough Zoning Board of Appeals voted Monday night to conditionally approve the 250-unit Westborough Woods apartment complex, granting many of the waivers the developers requested.

Final approval will come May 20, after town consultant Ralph Wilmer provides a final decision revised to reflect Monday night's vote.

Developer Fran Zarette of 346 Turnpike Road LLC said afterward he was "fine" with the conditional approval.

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The board ruled exactly one week after closing its public hearing on 346 Turnpike Rod LLC's comprehensive permit application under Massachusetts' affordable housing law, Chapter 40B. The hearing opened Jan. 14.

The 314,230-square-foot project proposed for 346 Turnpike Road 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.

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Monday night, the zoning board deliberated before a standing-room-only crowd at the Forbes Municipal Building.

"You're more than welcome to sit here and listen, but it's a decision meeting now," Chairman Jim Johnson said.

Johnson expressed concerns about some of the waiver requests, and members supported him.

One request involved the sign setback requirements.

"This is a sign identifying an apartment complex. I don't see any need for moving it closer to Route 9," Johnson said, adding there was "no hardship shown during the public hearing."


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