Millbury MBTA Communities Act Options To Discuss
As many are aware, on November 9, 2024, the majority of registered voters who participated in a vote on Article 8, the MBTA Communities Act zoning amendments, which were overwhelmingly rejected. Despite this, the Millbury Board of Selectmen has chosen to pursue another vote on the amendments, citing concerns over potential reprisals from the Attorney General. The Board has explicitly stated that if the Millbury Planning Board did not propose a zoning amendment, they would take the initiative themselves. This decision directly contradicts the will of the voters, who have already made their stance on the MBTA Communities Act clear.
Tonight, the Millbury Planning Board will hold a discussion (not a public hearing) on the MBTA Communities Act and will review at least nine potential options. Some of these options have been presented by the Town Planner, based on work produced by a state-funded consultant, while others have been proposed by Millbury residents to help mitigate the Act's impact on the town, who do not support the MBTA Communities Act for many valid reasons which have been previously articulated.
Option 1 — Howe Avenue and Canal Street with a gross acreage of 66.8602 acres. Windle Field would not be able to developed. This option was modified slightly from the consultant’s proposal.
Option 2 — Route 146 Southbound with a gross acreage of 53.8030 acres. This option was slightly modified from the consultant’s proposal.
Option 2 — South side of West Main Street with a gross acreage of 30.1952 acres. This option was slightly modified from the consultant’s proposal.
Option 4 — West side of River Street and Water Street with a gross acreage of 15.4419 acres.
Option 5 — East side of Riverlin Street with a gross acreage of 56.8430 acres.
Option 6 — West side of Riverlin Street, Silver Fox Drive, and MacArthur Drive with a gross of acreage of 88.8091 acres.
Option 7 — North side of Grafton Road (Route 122) with a gross acreage of 81.9417 acres.
Option 98 — The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley with a gross acreages of 87.5800 acres. The Natick Mall has condominiums as part of the development, so this open options for the mall especially as other malls are struggling.
Option 9 — Surrounding Haywood Glen with a gross acreage of
If you live near any of the proposed options and have concerns, make your voice heard! Attend the Millbury Planning Board meeting tonight, Monday, February 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Millbury Town Hall (127 Elm Street), or join via Zoom using Meeting ID: 875 1487 9187. Your input matters—get involved!
The outcome of the Millbury Planning Board’s discussion on the MBTA Communities Act zoning amendments remains uncertain, including whether a zoning amendment will be proposed for an upcoming town meeting. However, now is the time to get involved—those with concerns or interest should participate while they still have the opportunity to help shape the decision.