FRAMINGHAM - J&Co proposed a residential development on 28 acres of land between Edgell and Edmands Road that would feature townhouses, condominiums, and apartments at a density of 20 units per acre, potentially constructing 500 or more housing units.
The plan would include a senior living or assisted living facility with up to another 150 units on 2 to 3 acres and “an on-site location up to 1 acre to allow for construction of a 10,000 SF municipal first responder facility or other community use.”
The proposal came during a City Council meeting tonight discussing MBTA Community Zoning compliance.
An attorney representing the company showed a document at the meeting stating:
“J&Co, after hearing and considering all comments made at public hearings, is committed to establishing a livable, walkable community that enhances and brings vibrancy to the Nobscot neighborhood, provides a mix of housing styles that can accommodate Framingham residents of all ages catering to a diverse range of needs and lifestyles.”
MBTA Zoning is more permissive than most municipal zoning, and restrictions such as requiring senior housing are not allowed. The attorney said J&Co would be willing to enter into a legally binding agreement separate from MBTA zoning for some of its proposals.
The plan included:
Minimum 50% to be owner units.
Minimum of 50% units to be townhouses of 2 to 6 units per building, with most of the rest being apartment and condominium buildings with six or more units per building.
At least 85% of apartment and condo units to be 1 or 2 bedrooms, with the rest being studios or 3-bedrooms.
If possible under fair housing laws, preference to be given to veterans and municipal employees for 5% of ownership units.
Within 150 feet of residential properties on Livoli Road, buildings would be limited to townhouses (2–6 units per building) at a maximum of 2.5 stories, according to the presentation.
The developer also said they’d be willing to pay up to $1 million for construction of a dedicated right-turn lane from Edgell Road to Water Street. And, they said they would extend sidewalks and establish crosswalks on Edmands and Edgell Roads “to enable walking to and from its project and Nobscot village center”, as well as establish a connection from the project to the Weston Aqueduct trail (if the city could secure land rights, utility relocations, and other things needed for the extensions ).
That Edgell/Edmands Road property has been a recent flashpoint in MBTA compliance plans. Neighbors are angry in part because that parcel was first publicly discussed as part of the plan just three months ago. Residents have also argued the Nobscot intersection is already rated F and can’t handle such an influx of new traffic. A goal of the MBTA Community Zoning law is supposed to be reducing reliance on private car use, but there is little public transit, walking, or biking infrastructur
“Prior to submitting any project applications to the Planning Board, J&Co shall participate in at least 3 neighborhood meetings to present and discuss its project concepts and anticipated application schedule,” the document said.
The Council is working on its plans for city MBTA Communities Law zoning compliance tonight and continued a public hearing on the issue to Dec. 3.
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