Marlborough council opens hearing on 286-unit Sassaville Way overlay, refers to Urban Affairs

MARLBOROUGH — September 11, 2023 — Marlborough opens hearing on 286-unit Sassaville Way overlay as Conservation Commission urges land buyout. The City Council referred order 23-100-8941, a Trammell Crow Company petition to create the Sassaville Way Residential Overlay District on roughly 23 acres owned by Boston Scientific, to Urban Affairs after more than two hours of testimony. Attorney Jemma Cashman argued the residential plan would be less damaging than a by-right 150,000-square-foot industrial building with "90 truck trips a day." Conservation and Sustainability Officer Priscilla Ryder, citing two cold-water trout streams and the state BioMap, formally opposed the overlay and recommended the city acquire the parcel, assessed at $523,000. Fifteen Blazewood Avenue residents submitted a letter in opposition. Council President Michael Ossing reminded members the zoning petition runs on a 90-day clock that cannot be extended. The council separately certified $12,003,558 in free cash and moved $1,200,355.80 each to OPEB and stabilization.