Planning Bd Approves “Compromise” for King-Washington Intersection

Capping ongoing hearing dates going back months. Monday’s Planning Board meeting saw approval of a warehousing facility within Financial Park (originally home to Putnam Investments, now housing several uses, including the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School).

An issue of concern raised by abutters, and confirmed in part through traffic studies, was the number of tractor trailers already coming onto King Street from Washington and heading toward I-495. The compact intersection and existing island is difficult to navigate causing some vehicles to drive onto the traffic island and some to have to remaneuver to make the turn, causing traffic backups. The new facility is expected to increase that traffic.

The problem was not at first acknowledged but traffic studies and abutter testimony showed it to be far from uncommon even with existing traffic.

The applicant, Berkeley Partners, sought to build out 100 and 200 Financial Park for warehouse uses, which would increase the traffic of semitrailers coming through the intersection. The compromised worked out with the town will involve removing the fixed, curbed island and replacing it with a low structure that can be driven over. Neither abutter was willing to give up any more land to expand the intersection.

Berkley also originally proposed to throw in $50,000 toward building sidewalks along Washington Street, but that figure was finally raised to $100,000. The Planning Board voted to approve the development with several other conditions and minor details to be worked out later.

[Article updated 11-9-23]