Urban Affairs Committee votes 5-0 to deny Sasseville Way housing overlay

MARLBOROUGH — November 30, 2023 — Marlborough Urban Affairs Committee votes 5-0 to deny Sasseville Way overlay for 286-unit project. The committee recommended denial of the proposed Chapter 650 amendment that would have rezoned a 23-acre Boston Scientific parcel for a mixed-use development by a Trammell Crow Co. affiliate, despite last-minute revisions that locked the project to a special-permit process, capped affordable housing under Section 650-26 "as adopted and in effect" on passage, and set a 150-foot setback from the closest single-family dwelling outside the overlay. Councilor Samantha Perreault, who moved denial, said she would not "negotiate against ourselves when there is not a project before us." Councilor Doucette cited likely ledge blasting near cold-water streams feeding Fort Meadow Reservoir; Chair Wagner called the site "a very sensitive piece of land" that "can't be undone." Council President Ossing dissented from the floor, citing the MBTA Communities mandate for roughly 1,750 housing units. The full council takes up the recommendation Monday under the 90-day petition clock. The committee held Pulte Homes' Robin Hill Street retirement overlay and the Red Spring Road condominium overlay to Dec. 5.