Neighbors working together to preserve our neighborhoods and beyond.
Filter Blog Posts
Highland Ridge In Berlin Issued Another Stop Work Order
Steven Venincasa is currently developing the Highland Ridge project in Berlin, Massachusetts, under the limited liability corporation named Homes At Highland Ridge, LLC. However, it seems that there are notable issues, as the Berlin Conservation Commission issued a Stop Work Order. The minutes from the Berlin Conservation Commission meeting outline the challenges encountered and the attempts to mitigate the wetlands protection issues caused by the developer and/or their subcontractor(s).
Neighborhood Spokesperson For Rice Pond Village Project
Join the movement! Town officials are urging for a neighborhood voice to champion our concerns about the proposed Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village Project. Steve Stearns, a dedicated long-term resident, stands as our prime nominee for this crucial role endorsed by the entire neighborhood. His deep roots in the most affected neighborhood, coupled with his background in civil and environmental engineering, make him an invaluable advocate.
How We Arrived At This Chapter 40B Project
Understanding the genesis of the proposed Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project is crucial. It primarily stems from the developers, Steven Venincasa and James Venincasa, operating under different limited liability corporations, failing to address public safety concerns and not adhering to Millbury Zoning Bylaws and Subdivision Rules and Regulations in their initial development attempt at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts. This appears to be a recurring trait characterized by arrogance and entitlement.
Rice Pond Village Chapter 40B Initial Public Hearing
On November 29, 2023, starting at 7:00 PM, the Millbury Board of Appeals will host the inaugural public hearing for the Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project at the Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School located at 12 Martin Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. This proposed development is planned for 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts, featuring three buildings each standing 4 stories or more. The project includes a total of 192 apartments, with 25% of them designated as affordable housing in perpetuity and 75% being market-rate units.
Amendments Of Application Fees Postponed Indefinitely
During the remote Millbury Board of Appeals meeting on October 11, 2023, a 4-1 vote opted to postpone indefinitely amending the application fees contained in the Comprehensive Permit Rules and Regulations, maintaining the ($5,000) application base and ($200) per market rate fees. The board deemed further analysis essential, involving residents and other stakeholders, before such a substantial decision could be made.
Preserving Fairness And Democracy
Regulations exist not to stifle progress, but to maintain fairness and consistency, safeguarding the interests of the community and developers alike. However, when regulations are consistently waived for developers, a dangerous precedent is set – it establishes an expectation that developers, not the community or its regulatory bodies, dictate the rules.