WESTBOROUGH – The developers behind a proposed Hyundai dealership in Westborough presented the Planning Board with several changes to their plans.
TTHY Westborough LLC hopes to convert 180-182 Turnpike Road – which combined would be a total of a 9.34-acre site – into the dealership.
Many of the updates came in response to concerns by residents of The Villages at Walker Meadows, which is behind the site, who had voiced concerns regarding lighting, snow removal and noise.
“I’m pleased to see the effort made,” said Board of Trustees Chairperson Wayne Webster on Dec. 6.
Among the changes, the developers will move the dumpster to the front of the site near Turnpike Road. Further, they would install screening around the fueling station and plant 18-foot-tall evergreens to screen light and noise.
As part of their plans, the developers have proposed the construction of a 46,843-square-foot building with a two-level parking deck. As part of the changes, the second floor of the parking deck will be fully enclosed and there will be a wall at the top of the deck.
Additionally, the light poles on the deck will be 13 feet and 6 inches with the headlamps turned away from Walker Meadow.
The developers will also re-orient the carwash, have a total of six electric vehicle charging stations for public use and provide an easement for a half mile of the Boston Worcester Air Line Trail.
“I’m happy to see that,” said Planning Board member Jon Pezzoni of the proposed changes.
To give Walker Meadows residents a chance to respond to the updates, the public hearing has been continued to Dec. 20.
Stone Inc.
The Planning Board also held a public hearing on 80 Turnpike Road, where Stone Inc. intends to convert that building into a retail site for stone.
This would include stone cutting, which would take place inside the building. That still drew a complaint from a resident of nearby Hundreds Road.
“I am extremely concerned about the noise and dust,” said James Sullivan. “I am opposed to [this kind of use] of this property.”
Building Commissioner Fred Lonardo said the building has been used for manufacturing in the past.
The public hearing has been continued to Dec. 20 so that officials can conduct a site visit.
Village Commons
Farooq Ansari, developer for Village Commons, presented preliminary plans to add 18 units to the site on Gleason Street.
The units, all condominiums, could be 18 townhouses or 15 units in one building, with three townhouses. There would be four affordable units.
While Planning Board Chairman Mark Silverberg called the early plans “adequate,” he was adamant about Ansari completing Village Commons before starting the new units.
Several residents of Village Commons spoke about the incomplete Village Commons project, and how the prospect of two-three more years of construction “has scared us beyond belief.”
One resident said, “The community is still in flux. There’s a porta-potty in front of my house.”
Silverberg said that the plans were still “very preliminary,” and the board has “every intention of listening to the neighbors.”
The proposed addition to Village Commons is part of an exchange for another proposed development. Should the town approve plans for the additional units, Ansari would drop plans for developing 180-192 Oak St., and the site would go to the town.
Town Planner Jim Robbins has requested that Ansari provide a free and clear title to the Oak Street site.
The public hearing has been continued to Dec. 20.