Marlborough council defeats Commercial Village Housing Overlay zoning amendment

MARLBOROUGH — September 13, 2021 — Marlborough council rejects Commercial Village Housing Overlay on a lone yes vote. The City Council on Sept. 13 killed a proposed Chapter 650 amendment creating an overlay district tied to the long-pending Walcott Heritage Farms project at 339 Boston Post Road East; only one councilor voted to suspend the first reading and advance the amendment, well short of the six needed. Ward 3 Councilor Robert Preciado, citing a nearby fire station and what he called a "bait and switch" from earlier subdivision plans, said the timing was wrong. Councilor Kathleen D. Robey moved approval while stating "I am hoping that the council will not approve this." Earlier, the council approved 10-1 a special permit for a Raising Cane's restaurant with two drive-throughs at 141 Boston Post Road West over Councilor Mark A. Oram's objection that abutter McDonald's Corporation deserved further hearing. Mayor Arthur Vigeant reported 85 active COVID-19 cases, a 3.14 percent positivity rate and 73 percent citywide vaccination.