Urban Affairs files 2023 Donald Lynch overlay, clearing path for April refile

MARLBOROUGH -- March 18, 2024, Marlborough Urban Affairs clears path for refiled Donald Lynch Boulevard overlay. The committee voted 5-0 Monday to accept and place on file the 2023 order from Council President Michael Ossing, allowing him to submit a cleaned-up zoning ordinance in April creating a Donald Lynch Boulevard Overlay District over the limited-industrial core north of I-290 and west of I-495. The overlay would allow multifamily, mixed use, drive-throughs, medical and dental offices and small-format retail by special permit, while barring contractor and landscape yards. MEDC Executive Director Meredith Harris said it "behooves the city to be thinking this way" before further mall vacancies arrive. Chair Councilor Robey flagged a structural problem in the multifamily language and at least four uses listed simultaneously as special-permit and prohibited. The city has invested $5.5 million in corridor infrastructure since 2017; a final council vote would come around August under the 90-day window.