Urban Affairs Committee recommends amended E on Main permit ahead of January deadline

MARLBOROUGH — November 6, 2025 — Marlborough Urban Affairs Committee advances E on Main amendment on 4-1 vote ahead of Jan. 12 deadline. The committee recommended an amended special permit for Taj Estates of Marlboro LLC's 67-unit mixed-use project at 163-175 Main St., with Councilor Preciado opposed, citing pedestrian safety at two new garage bay doors. Attorney Brian Falk of Mirick O'Connell said the developer is "really pushing" timing because permit extension acts no longer cover the 2019 approval. The amended plan adds parking from 43 to 59 spaces — still seven short of the 66 required, to be covered by payment in lieu — splits one 3,000-square-foot retail bay into 902- and 2,789-square-foot storefronts, and drops building height from 81 to 75 feet. Taj Estates also agreed to donate materials for a Gold Star Family Memorial behind City Hall. Members separately voted 5-0 to recommend a contractor's-yard special permit for Evangelist Roofing at 17 Airport Blvd.