Implications Of Large-Scale Developments

Large-scale residential developments like the proposed Chapter 40B Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rice Pond Village project, the MBTA by-right 750-apartments inclusionary zoning in downtown Millbury, and other projects that will likely follow, can have a significant impact on schools, police, and fire resources and expenses in the surrounding areas. As more people move into these new developments, the demand for public services and infrastructure increases, leading to strain on already limited resources.

One of the primary impacts of large-scale residential developments is on schools. As families move into these new communities, the demand for school places increases, often leading to overcrowding in existing schools. This overcrowding can lead to a decrease in the quality of education as teachers struggle to meet the needs of all their students. Additionally, new schools may need to be built to accommodate the influx of new residents, which can be costly for the local government. Case and point, the Raymond E. Shaw Memorial Middle School at a cost of over $60,000,000. There have been concerns raise about the Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School requiring a new roof at a cost of $6,000,000 and questions raised about the roof at the Elmwood Street Elementary School with no cost estimate presented.

The impact of large-scale residential developments on police and fire resources can also be significant. As the population increases, so does the demand for emergency services. More police officers and firefighters may need to be hired to respond to emergencies in the area, and more resources such as equipment and vehicles may be needed. These costs can quickly add up, putting pressure on the local government to increase taxes or cut services in other areas. The new fire station headquarters is approximately $14,000,000. The next step is rumored to be a full-time fire department phased in over several years, think about the cost of those expenses for salaries, benefits, equipment, training, etc.

Another impact of large-scale residential developments is on traffic and transportation. As more people move into the area, traffic congestion can increase, leading to longer commute times and increased wear and tear on roads. This can lead to increased costs for road maintenance and repairs, as well as increased demand for public transportation services.

To mitigate the impact of large-scale residential developments on schools, police, and fire resources, local governments may need to consider investing in new infrastructure and services. For example, new schools may need to be built or existing schools may need to be expanded to accommodate the influx of new students. More police officers and firefighters may need to be hired, and additional resources such as equipment and vehicles may need to be purchased. Additionally, local governments may need to invest in new transportation infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve access to public transportation.

Large-scale residential developments can have a significant impact on schools, police, and fire resources and expenses in the surrounding areas. As more people move into these new developments, the demand for public services and infrastructure increases, leading to strain on already limited resources. Local governments need to carefully consider the impact of new developments and invest in new infrastructure and services to mitigate the impact on schools, police, and fire resources.

Part of the rationale for imposing a "Temporary Building Moratorium On Multi-Family Dwelling Units" are a wide range of contributing factors. It is essential for our town to guarantee that extensive residential development is safe, suitable, responsible, and contributes to a sustainable tax base of open space, commercial, industrial, and residential areas. Generally, tax income generated from large-scale residential development may not result in the advertised windfall from developers but instead can create a shortfall in the tax base. Therefore, we need to exercise informed, big-picture, and long-term thinking when making decisions, taking into account the implications for taxpayers both now and in the future.

A concerned group of citizens has proposed a town warrant article for the upcoming town meeting titled "Temporary Moratorium on Multi-Family Dwelling Units" in order to reassess the current zoning bylaws. The Millbury Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on March 27, 2023, beginning at 7:15 PM, at the Millbury Town Hall on 127 Elm Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. It is encouraged that everyone attend in person and mark the date on their calendar.

During the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2023, registered Millbury voters will have the opportunity to vote on the "Temporary Moratorium on Multi-Family Dwelling Units" and determine the most appropriate way for the community to sustainably manage the growth of Millbury through updated zoning bylaws. It is important to consider how these decisions will affect our tax base in order to have a productive discussion on zoning. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.