Public hearings for Sherbrooke Farms closed

The public hearing for Sherbrooke Farms, a proposed 40B development for Old Westport Road closed on Thursday, July 9. 

Sherbrooke Farms is proposed to have 152 units, with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms. As the project is under Massachusetts law chapter 40B, at least 25% of the units must be affordable. There would be 38 affordable units. 

Now that the public hearing is closed, the Zoning Board of Appeals now has 40 days to decide whether to approve the project. They cannot learn any new information, or hear from the public on the topic. 

The property, located at 498 Old Westport Road, is 81.8 acres. The project would have four buildings, an amenity building and two outdoor amenity areas. 

During the July 9 meeting, the Zoning Board reviewed conditions and waivers with the developer and his engineer, Damien Dmitruk. 

The developer requested 34 waivers. These included making the parking spaces smaller so that there could be more landscaping islands, smaller trees than the town requires and less shade, different styles of paving and allowing an irrigation well for the lawns. 

Susan Murphy, the counsel for the Zoning Board, drafted a list of conditions that would be imposed on the development if it is approved.

A bus stop for schoolchildren would have to be added, which the architects will discuss with the School Department to figure out the best location. They would also have to make the crosswalks across from the property complacent under the American;s with Disabilities Act, if they are not already. 

A safety audit of the roads will be conducted, and the developer would be responsible for paying for necessary street paintings and signage.

The developer and the Department of Public Works would agree on a fee based on what upgrades the pump station would need to accommodate the project. They would pay for the upgrades, including the connection, sewer capacity mitigation and infiltration inflow fees. 

By approving a project with a long list of conditions, the Zoning Board has more control over the project. If they were to deny the project, the developer could bring the project to the Housing Appeals Committee to try and have the board’s decision overturned. The developer could also make an appeal if they don't agree with the conditions the Zoning Board places on the project.

In the next meeting on July 30 starting at 5 p.m., the Zoning Board will vote on whether to approve the project.