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IP-zoning

Costco Update: AG’s office pauses bylaw approval while looking into resident’s “spot zoning” complaint

by Beth Melo on

This week, representatives for Costco and the property owners of 21 Coslin Drive updated the Planning Board on their plans to build a Costco in Southborough.

In the meeting, the board discussed a complication in the legal process. The Attorney General’s office held up its approval of the zoning bylaw revision that the project hinges on. The state is taking a closer look based on a complaint letter claiming the bylaw is illegal “spot zoning”. Read the full article → from Costco Update: AG’s office pauses bylaw approval while looking into resident’s “spot zoning” complaint

Town Meeting voters supported both zoning Articles

Highlights from zoning discussions last night related to the potential Costco project and Accessory Apartments/Dwelling Units

by Beth Melo on

Today’s recap of last night’s Special Town Meeting will focus on the zoning articles voted on last night. (Look for other meeting highlights in a post tomorrow.) Read the full article → from Town Meeting voters supported both zoning Articles

Fall Town Meeting Article 1 Update

An update on the zoning Article that would allow Costco to apply for a Special Permit in Southborough, and smaller retailers to apply for permits on abutting properties.

by Beth Melo on

The Southborough Select Board has been working to drum up excitement and turnout for the Special Town Meeting this Monday night. Their primary focus is getting voters to approve a zoning change they promote as allowing an economic boon for the Town. To allow Costco to apply for a Special Permit to build a store at the old EMC/Dell campus, 2/3 of participating voters will need to approve Article 1. Read the full article → from Fall Town Meeting Article 1 Update

Letter from Advisory to Town Meeting Voters

The committee asked me to share with readers its report for the Special Town Meeting on Monday

by Beth Melo on

This Monday night, Southborough voters are invited to participate in a Special Town Meeting to vote on 10 Articles. For each Town Meeting, the Advisory Committee is charged with writing a report for voters to aid them in their decision making. The committee asked me to share that with readers in advance. Read the full article → from Letter from Advisory to Town Meeting Voters

Updated Primer on Monday night’s Special Town Meeting (Updated)

Here's a look at what voters are being asked to approve at the meeting, including updated motions, news, and context.

by Beth Melo on

Special Town Meeting is coming up in four days. Here’s my overview of what’s up for a vote. (And details on attending.) Read the full article → from Updated Primer on Monday night’s Special Town Meeting (Updated)

Forum on proposed Costco project — next Thursday

by Beth Melo on

The Select Board is inviting the public to join them at a Public Forum with a Q&A on the proposed project to bring a Costco to the old EMC campus behind Madison Place.

Unlike recent public meetings and hearings on the zoning amendments proposed by Atlantic, this evening will focus on the project the new zoning is intended to make possible. Read the full article → from Forum on proposed Costco project — next Thursday

Fall Town Meeting Update: Planning & Advisory supportive of IP Zoning change for EMC/Costco parcel

Most Planning Board and Advisory Committee members voiced support for the updated version of a proposed zoning bylaw that could allow building a Costco on a singled out parcel in the Industrial Park Zone. Just don't call it "spot zoning".

by Beth Melo on

Monday night, an attorney for Capital Group Properties, which owns the Park Central parcel north of Route 9, argued that a proposed amendment to Industrial Park zoning is illegal “spot zoning”.

Planning Board members disagreed, siding with the developer (Atlantic Management) who is proposing the zoning change. Read the full article → from Fall Town Meeting Update: Planning & Advisory supportive of IP Zoning change for EMC/Costco parcel

Letter: Select Board asks residents to support zoning Warrant Article at Special Town Meeting

by guest on

[Ed note: My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.

The following letter is from the Southborough Select Board.] Read the full article → from Letter: Select Board asks residents to support zoning Warrant Article at Special Town Meeting

Fall Town Meeting Update: IP Zoning changes focus on bringing Costco to town (Updated-again)

The Article proposed by Atlantic Management would allow the popular chain to apply for a special permit to open a store on an old EMC parcel. Planning is working to limit other IP parcels eligible for the new use. And the Select Board is touting the economic boon.

by Beth Melo on

A representative for the owner of the old EMC parcel seeking a new zoning use revealed the big fish they’re trying to land. According to Atlantic Management’s attorney, they are in negotiations with Costco.

The retailer was revealed during Monday night’s Planning Board hearing during an explanation for the developer’s urgency in trying to add “Highway Major Retail” as a use in the Industrial Park (IP) zone. At their meeting last night, the Select Board emphasized the revenue that a “magnet” store like Costco could bring into Southborough. Read the full article → from Fall Town Meeting Update: IP Zoning changes focus on bringing Costco to town (Updated-again)

Letter: Industrial Park re-zoning proposal is an economic opportunity that should be embraced

by guest on

[Ed note: My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.

The following letter is from Planning Board member Alan Belniak.] Read the full article → from Letter: Industrial Park re-zoning proposal is an economic opportunity that should be embraced

Fall Town Meeting: Developer’s Article proposes new use for entire Industrial Park zone

Officials and proponents debated crafting a use that applies to all IP zoned lots (like Park Central) but would only be possible on the old EMC property.

by Beth Melo on

The Planning Board has scheduled an additional hearing for this Monday to deal with a challenging, but highly desired, zoning Article. The Select Board is eager for Fall Town Meeting voters to approve an Industrial Park zoning use that will allow permitting and construction of a project at 21 Coslin Drive. Read the full article → from Fall Town Meeting: Developer’s Article proposes new use for entire Industrial Park zone

Developer pitches zoning change to allow a retail project on old EMC parcel

by Beth Melo on

This past winter, a developer purchased about 30 acres of the old Dell/EMC property parcels off of Route 9. Now they are seeking to work with the Town on zoning changes to allow an economically viable project that fits with the community’s vision. Read the full article → from Developer pitches zoning change to allow a retail project on old EMC parcel

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