Outcome Of Board Of Selectmen MBTA Communities Act Discussion

The Millbury Board of Selectmen’s meeting opened with their perspective on the town’s progress and future direction. Scott Despres (paraphrased) stated that the community had previously rejected the MBTA Communities Act, and if registered voters do so again on May 6, 2025, the Board will not continue bringing it forward for additional votes. Other members appeared to nod in agreement.

Scott Despres also denied that the Board pressured the Millbury Planning Board to act. However, Katie McKenna acknowledged that she could understand why some might have that impression. Brian Sora stated at the previous Board of Selectmen meeting that if the Planning Board did not take action, the Board of Selectmen would introduce a town warrant article.

Resident Steve Stearns, a vocal opponent of the MBTA Communities Act, presented nine alternative options to mitigate its impact on the town while reaffirming his opposition to the Act. Based on conversations he has had, he stated that the Act was rejected not only due to concerns over the proposed area but also because of broader issues, including government overreach, its failure to address the housing affordability crisis, and its impact on the town’s taxpayers.

The nine options presented at the meeting primarily focused mostly on East Millbury. Some were prepared by the state-funded consultant, with minor modifications explained during the presentation. Others were developed with input from multiple residents and modeled by Steve Stearns using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to analyze factors such as parcel acreage, wetlands, sewer access, surrounding land uses, and proximity to the MBCR stations in North Grafton and Worcester. The presentation prompted extensive discussion, with questions and input from both the Board and participating residents.

Although no formal vote was taken, there appeared to be a consensus among the Board that they were not in favor of the Millbury Planning Board’s proposed town warrant article. While some supported the Route 146 portion, there were reservations about including 50 Howe Avenue.

The Board also discussed whether the Millbury Planning Board could withdraw their article, which was confirmed as an option. Francis DeSimone who was participating via Zoom stated he would propose withdrawal to his Board (the Planning Board), noting that its members did not seem to want to advance the article but felt compelled to do so and having multiple options would create confusion for voters.

Among the options presented, the majority of the Board of Selectmen appeared to favor Option 7, located in the northeast corner of Millbury, with some refinements. Scott Despres supported this option and suggested including portions of Riverlin Street if more area was needed, a proposal that most of the Board appeared to agree with. Brian Sora preferred the Route 146 option but acknowledged that another area would be necessary elsewhere in town to meet the 50-acre minimum requirement, and that he did not care for the 50 Howe Avenue portion of the Planning Board town warrant article. Nothing is set in stone, and the public is encouraged to attend the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Option 7 delineated in the red cross hatch is located in the northeast corner of Millbury, near the railroad tracks used by the MBCR for transit between Worcester’s Union Station, North Grafton, and Boston’s South Station.

The Board passed a motion to place a placeholder on the town warrant for their MBTA Communities Act zoning amendment, with a final vote scheduled for their next meeting after the state-funded consultant, in coordination with the town planner, validates and refines the map to ensure alignment with the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act.

Steve Stearns thanked the Board for the opportunity to present the information on behalf of residents, engage in discussion, and establish a clear path forward.

This discussion is far from over. As a contentious issue, it will continue to spark debate. However, there remains the possibility that it could once again be defeated at Town Meeting, which seems to be the sentiment of the majority who have engaged in public debate and discussions.

For those following the town’s board meetings on the MBTA Communities Act, it is evident that the majority of the Millbury Planning Board and Board of Selectmen do not appear to support the Act. Some members have even publicly stated their opposition during meetings and have indicated they will vote against it at the Annual Town Meeting.