According to the Tuesday, April 11, 2023, management update by Sean Hendricks, the Town Manager of Millbury, he and Conor McCormick, the Town Planner, wrote a "comment letter" to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regarding the proposed Chapter 40B Local Initiative Program (LIP) Rice Pond Village project. The letter aimed to address concerns of the town and neighbors in a way that would not violate the terms of the development agreement with the developers, Steven F. Venincasa and James Venincasa, under the limited liability corporate name of Rice Pond Village, LLC. In doing so, it minimizes the neighborhood’s legitimate public safety and other concerns. However, the Chairperson of the Millbury Board of Selectmen, Mary Krumsiek, clearly stated that she had not written a letter of support, even though the "comment letter" appeared to express such support and is signed by her. This has led some people to question her credibility.

The letter in question is seen as contradicting itself by stating opposing views. On the one hand, the Millbury Board of Selectmen have claimed that they do not endorse the proposed project in public meetings, but on the other hand, the included "comment letter" clearly endorses the project in writing to a state agency.

After reading the letter, a neighbor expressed concern that if the project goes ahead as planned, it will be due to the actions of town officials and employees rather than the developers. It is worth noting that the other members of the Millbury Board of Selectmen were not aware of this "comment letter" and had to request it after disclosure at the meeting. This lack of transparency from Sean Hendricks, Conor McCormick, and Mary Krumsiek has raised questions about their actions and motivations. Additionally, the fact that the letter was not posted on the Millbury Board of Appeals webpage further adds to the perception of secrecy and backroom dealing. Overall, the situation does not look good and may have negative consequences for those involved.

April 6, 2023

The Town of Millbury submits this comment letter in response to the application submitted by Rice Pond Village, LLC for a 40B LIP project on Rice Road in Millbury.

Although the Board of Selectmen negotiated a development agreement associated with this project, and as such, it endorses the project, the Town has a couple of areas of concern that it submits on behalf the residents of the neighborhood and the Town itself. The Town recognizes the need for affordable housing, and it hopes that this project and any future projects can be realized while taking into account neighborhood character and public safety. The Town hopes these concerns will be considered when the Department/Division evaluates the project's eligibility.

This project will provide nearly 200 important housing units, over of which will be affordable. This will increase vehicular traffic in this residential neighborhood that is not densely populated. Rice Road is approximately 20 feet wide, and the developer has agreed to make some road improvements and install some sidewalks that will definitely increase resident safety. Of greater concern is the active, but uncontrolled railroad crossing that is approximately 500 feet from the proposed project. The Town has no ability to force the railroad to make safety improvement/enhancements to that location; it would like to see the crossing upgraded to include audio and visual warnings, including traditional ascending/descending barriers, which will ensure that motorists cannot cross the location when a train is nearby or approaching the road crossing. The cost of improvements to the crossing should not be borne by the Town or by the developer, and the residents have the right to expect a modem, safe railroad crossing.

The project is proposed to be located on a parcel that is zoned Suburban-II, but there are concerns about the height and density of the proposed buildings, as they pertain to neighborhood character. The Town has no desire to stand in the way of any developer's right to develop their property in a manner that is in harmony with the Town's carefully considered zoning regulations; it hopes that such development is done with an eye to less-regulated concerns, such as fitting in with its neighbors. This project, when complete, will be part of a neighborhood of single-family homes that is not densely populated. While the proposed dwellings may not be a perfect aesthetic fit, the project can likely be accomplished using mitigation measures, as opposed to major project modifications. The neighborhood residents understand and support the need for affordable housing; they just want to feel safe and at home in the place they have chosen to live.

The Town and its residents understand the nature of 40B developments, and most folks recognize the need and value of such projects. There will always be residents who simply do not want development of any kind in their town. The Town of Millbury believes that the developer has good-faith intentions to be a good neighbor and it appreciates the ability to utilize the LIP program. The Town is glad to be part of an initiative that will provide sorely needed affordable housing, and it sincerely hopes that the Division/Department recognizes the Town's good-faith concerns for its residents and that any project that is ultimately deemed eligible will truly benefit the Town and the neighborhood-from aesthetics to public safety. The Town believes that the Division/Department has the ability to approve a project that allows autonomy for the developer while simultaneously allowing the Town to advocate for its residents.

Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact the Board or the Town Manager with any questions.