Our Neighborhood

Our well established neighborhood consists of 43 existing single-family households on Rice Road, Thomas Hill Road, Aldrich Avenue and Captain Peter Simpson Road; and the extended neighborhood includes, but is not limited to another 30± surrounding residences on South Main Street, Curve Street, Jackie Drive and Providence Street (Route 122A), that are direct or indirect abutters of the proposed multifamily project site at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts.

The Millbury Board of Assessors provided an official list comprising nearby neighbors of the intended multifamily development site at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts. These properties fall within a 300-foot radius of the proposed project location.

Furthermore, properties located over 300 feet from the proposed project site lack alternate access routes apart from utilizing Rice Road via Thomas Hill Road, or Aldrich Avenue, including Captain Peter Simpson Road. These properties will experience direct effects from the proposed multifamily project at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts. Notably, residential properties in this category are denoted with a "1" after the street name, while commercial properties are designated with a "2."

Each of these properties garners backing from engaged Millbury residents who grasp the significant impact this proposed project might bring. They worry that their neighborhood might become the next site for haphazard developments that ignore public safety, showing little regard for existing communities and the people who call them home.

The residents involved in the permitting process should not be labeled as “NIMBYs,” a term used in a derogatory manner to signify “Not In My Backyard.” Such labeling often attempts to dismiss our valid arguments and concerns without truly understanding our input or position. We're not against development altogether and have legitimate public safety and environmental concerns. What we seek is responsible, safe, and sustainable progress that respects the current building typography, height, mass, scale, and density. Some refer to this as the "missing middle," emphasizing reasonably sized residential projects that harmonize with the neighborhoods. Others term them "pocket developments." Millbury residents are keen on embracing these developments that align with their preferences, unlike the mega-multifamily projects devoid of character or community essence. These large-scale projects burden neighborhoods with increased traffic, strain on educational systems, and heightened demands on public resources. Incremental, sustainable growth is favored, though the state overlooks this perspective. Their stance places the burden of any implications from oversized developments on local taxpayers, disregarding sustainability concerns. Millbury holds its charm for a purpose—it's a place people intentionally choose for its small-town vibe. Residents prefer this over the bustling, crowded nature of cities or larger towns like Shrewsbury, Framingham, and similar locales. If you read the Master Plan, it clearly states residents want more single-family housing on smaller lots. People want open space to enjoy the outdoors and have some peace and quiet.

We ought to be regarded as the checks and balances within our community concerning large-scale multifamily development. We've actively participated in various development projects in Millbury and neighboring communities, offering our expertise and experience wherever possible.

Information sourced from MassGIS and Millbury Property Cards underwent several manual verifications and edits to ensure accuracy. The table provides links to photographs from public records, allowing visual access to building typology whenever available.

In 2021, a neighbor graciously alerted us to the condominium development proposed for the former McLaughlin family property at 17 Rice Road, nestled at the end of Thomas Hill Road in Millbury, Massachusetts. This caring neighbor, along with another, went out of their way to inform all abutters—direct and indirect—about the developer's intentions. Their efforts galvanized the neighborhood, prompting us to dig into the details and understand the full scope of the proposal.

Together, hand in hand with the support of the Millbury Planning Board, we successfully opposed the initial plan. This endeavor was more than a victory; it was a unifying force for our community. It brought us closer together in incredible ways. People who might have remained strangers are now acquainted, and there's a newfound sense of care and connection among us. It's heartwarming to witness the increased engagement and genuine concern we share for each other.

As we step into 2024, our dedication to one another and to advocating for our community remains unwavering. We're steadfast in voicing our apprehensions and advocating for a downsizing of the current proposed Chapter 40B project, reducing the 192 apartments to a safer and more reasonable scale. Our aim is to address every public safety and environmental issue, implementing comprehensive solutions rather than temporary substandard fixes.

We insist that any approval must come with stringent conditions, specifically targeting and resolving each public safety concern at its root. Should the developer fail to collaborate with the community to address our valid concerns, we're prepared to challenge and, if necessary, oppose the project to ensure our neighborhood's well-being and integrity, and provide all necessary facts to be used in required findings with defensible legal justifications. This blog serves as a platform to share accurate information, ensuring that everyone has access to the facts and can learn more about our cause.

Through this blog, neighboring communities have been reading and reaching out to us, eager to follow our example and glean insights from our experiences. Our collaboration has evolved in unexpected ways, surpassing what we initially envisioned at the start of this journey.