Marlborough Urban Affairs Committee advances Target drive-up sign permit on 3-1 vote

MARLBOROUGH -- June 17, 2026, Marlborough Urban Affairs Committee advances Target sign amendment 3-1, sends it to Planning Board and full Council. The committee voted Wednesday to modify condition nine of Target's 2002 special permit at 423 Donald J. Lynch Boulevard, approving language allowing four wall signs, two over store entrances, one pharmacy sign, and one Drive Up sign on the front elevation as shown on a May 10, 2025 design package. Building Commissioner Payton flagged that the four signs carry an aggregate area of roughly 421 square feet, exceeding the city's 300-square-foot maximum under zoning ordinance section 526-95, meaning the applicant must also seek a variance from the Planning Board before the full City Council can take a final vote, expected in July. Councillor Presciato voted no, arguing the additional sign "will set a precedent for Target and for other businesses" and questioned whether the Drive Up sign would be visible from Donald J. Lynch Boulevard given the store's setback from the road. The committee also opened discussion on a proposed Forest Street Residential Overlay District filed by Redgate Real Estate Advisors LLC, but that presentation was not captured in the available recording.