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TEWKSBURY — The Tewksbury Select Board met on Nov. 26, 2024 at town hall.
The board returned to a discussion on the reuse of the Trahan Elementary School. The board saw two proposals for housing on the site: one for senior housing by CHOICE, Inc. of Chelmsford, and one for a mix of standalone family and professional housing and senior apartments by MCO & Associates of Harvard. Board members had asked each to return to discuss their designs and provide more information.
MCO owner Mark O’Hagan recapped his design, which includes 32 2- and 3-bedroom bungalows, 25 percent of which would be designated affordable, and 25 1-bedroom apartments for seniors contained in one building. He reviewed details for a potential Local Initiative Program (LIP) application to the state, which provides technical assistance for affordable rental housing development, and noted the opportunity to incorporate the board’s desire for a reduced number of units.
O’Hagan touted a “low-profile” look, the opportunity for community space and preservation of open space and the existing playground while maintaining a buffer with existing neighborhoods. He noted that the plan can be modified, and 70 percent of affordable units can be designated for local preference.
Board reactions were largely positive. Member James Mackey said that the board should seek to maximize the number of affordable units in the project.
“The intent of this is to create more affordable housing,” he emphasized.
O’Hagan shared plans from similar projects he is working on in other communities.
“People that are older, they like having more life around, they like seeing activity,” he said, noting that multigenerational housing is becoming more sought after. “Not having to pay for the [Trahan] land provides the flexibility to do a building like this that otherwise you probably wouldn’t see built.”
A different project, he said, would require more verticality or a larger subsidy to make the project economically viable. O’Hagan added that tenants have to pass traditional credit and background checks, and have had no substantive issues.
Both proposals are available on the town website to review. CHOICE, Inc. is scheduled to present again to the board on Dec. 17.
The board returned to a discussion on a retail marijuana license application for Route 133 Cannabis at 1625 Andover St. Chair Pat Holland reviewed answers to questions from the board provided by owner Dean Graffeo and operating partner Gold Standard Consulting.
He addressed concerns over the location next to the childcare facility, stating that other long-operating sites located near childcare facilities across state have not had issues, and current zoning approved by town meetings permits the location of a legally licensed cannabis business on the site.
Mackey stated his opposition to the application due to the location and a lawsuit against Graffeo related to his business interests that was dismissed. Board members reiterated concerns about traffic; Graffeo said that he would conduct more traffic assessments after opening and noted that all parties have an interest in keeping traffic flow moving from both a resident and customer perspective.
Member Eric Ryder, a former Planning Board member, noted that the business would add to the commercial tax base and generate revenue. Member Jayne Wellman sought information on outdoor signage and facade; the state Cannabis Control Commission prohibits advertisement of products on the outside of retail dispensaries, so signage will be simple and will only have the name of the business.
The building will be colonial style with frosted windows, surrounded by screening vegetation.
“I think that the data tends to support a narrative that cannabis businesses tend to bring up the community around them in terms of retail opportunities,” Wellman said. “There’s a sense from some folks that they bring negative impacts but that tends not to be supported by the data.”
The board voted 4-1 to approve the license, with Mackey voting in opposition. During public comments later in the meeting, abutting residents and business owners reiterated their opposition to the location of the business.
The board reviewed an updated water abatement policy to address flushing related to water main breaks. Board members praised the updates for providing a uniform policy and voted to approve the policy. Abatements for extreme events, including water main breaks, may be considered provided the request meets certain guidelines, including water usage exceeding 200 percent of normal use to flush pipes and confirmation of brown water by DPW personnel.
The board approved annual renewals for amusement, class auto, common victualler, entertainment, and liquor licenses.
Amid parking issues reported by local business owners, the board held Tree House Brewing Company’s license applications aside for separate consideration; the board also held Petroil’s application for failing to respond after failing a Board of Health compliance check. The deferred applications will be addressed at the board’s next meeting.
In his last town manager’s report, retiring town manager Richard Montuori thanked the board for his time running the town over the past 14 years.
“You have excellent employees, outstanding department heads. The town is in a great place,” he said, expressing confidence in incoming manager John Curran. Board members thanked Montuori for his service and applauded his dedication to the community.
The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 17, 2024. Residents may find previously recorded meetings at youtube.com/TewksburyTV. The meeting may be viewed on Comcast channel 6 and Verizon channel 33 or attend in person at town hall.
”}]] TEWKSBURY — The Tewksbury Select Board met on Nov. 26, 2024 at town hall. Read More
