Council closes hearing on Lazotte Drive condo overlay, sends amendment to Urban Affairs

MARLBOROUGH — April 22, 2024 — Marlborough council closes hearing on 180-unit Lazotte Drive condo overlay after neighbors say they were never notified. David Ferris of Ferris Development told the City Council Monday his firm paid about $4.5 million at auction for the long-vacant 130 Lazotte Drive office building and 12 acres and wants a zoning overlay allowing roughly 180 for-sale condos — about 75 in the repurposed building plus two new structures of 65 and 45 units, with 15 percent affordable. Council President Michael H. Ossing said the conversion could move the parcel's value from $4 million to $50–$60 million, generating roughly $880,000 in new annual taxes. Three neighbors opposed the change, citing traffic, schools and wildlife around Jackson Pond and Millbrook; Emily Welton, whose family farmhouse at 250 William Street dates to 1860, said she learned of the hearing one day in advance. Councilor Kathleen D. Robey noted contractor's yards are already allowed by special permit in the underlying limited-industrial zone. The matter goes to Urban Affairs and the Planning Board.