Millbury Received Chapter 40B PEL
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has forwarded a Project Eligibility Letter (PEL) pertaining to the proposed Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project to the Town of Millbury. The document, upon receipt, necessitates signatures from the corporate officer representing Rice Pond Village, LLC (Steven F. Venincasa and/or James Venincasa), as well as from Christopher Naff, the Chairperson of the Millbury Board of Selectmen, before it is returned to EOHLC. After which a final PEL will be issued by EOHLC.
At this juncture, the details and terms outlined within the PEL remain undisclosed, rendering it uncertain whether the PEL will result in approval, potential modifications, or a denial.
In the event that EOHLC grants approval or makes modifications, such as scaling back the PEL, it will be essential for the Millbury Board of Appeals to organize forthcoming public hearings. It is imperative for our neighborhood and community to prepare for these hearings by presenting well-reasoned and fact-based arguments before the Board of Appeals. Our strength lies in our ability to come together in substantial numbers, actively engage, and ensure our voices are heard. This presents a unique opportunity for us to address factual issues related to public safety, the project's scale, and other relevant matters through one or multiple public hearings.
The developer's initial application for the Chapter 40B project included 192 apartments, consisting of 75% market-rate units and 25% affordable units. These apartments were planned to be housed within three four-story buildings, although their architectural design, with the dormers in the roof, gave the impression of buildings that resembled five stories. The planned project is set to be located at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts, featuring a sole entry/exit private driveway positioned directly opposite Thomas Hill Road. The proposed project site is adjacent to an operational Providence & Worcester railroad, which witnesses multiple trains passing by day and night, frequently sounding their horns.
Rice Road is a narrow thoroughfare, measuring less than 22 feet in width, and it has well-documented public safety concerns. Additionally, it features a railroad crossing that is merely 19 feet wide, characterized by a sharp angle and significant grade change, resulting in zero visibility in both directions and insufficient room for two vehicles to pass at the same time. Furthermore, the road presents two suboptimal intersections at either end.
The envisioned Rice Pond Village project does not harmonize with the architectural aesthetic of the neighborhood, which primarily comprises single-story single-family homes, or with the overall townscape. The town itself boasts only 2 three-story buildings and 35 two-story residential structures according to town records.
It is the opinion of various individuals knowledgeable in Chapter 40B projects that the proposed Rice Pond Village project is inconsistent with the Handbook: Approach to Chapter 40B Design Reviews.
Please refer to the Chapter 40B LIP Timetable.
In an effort to streamline and enhance the administration of housing and community development initiatives in Massachusetts, the state government embarked on a transformative journey to establish the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). This pivotal move involved a reorganization of the existing Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), culminating in the creation of a dedicated executive office. With a focus on promoting sustainable, accessible, and equitable housing solutions, this new entity was born out of a commitment to addressing the evolving housing needs of Massachusetts residents. By consolidating resources and expertise, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities stands as a testament to the state's dedication to fostering vibrant and inclusive communities, ultimately enriching the lives of its citizens and advancing the cause of affordable and livable housing for all.