ZBA Plans More on 444 E. Central on Dec. 4

The proposed development at 444 East Central Street in Franklin, MA would transform the former Stobbart’s Nurseries site into a residential complex of approximately 264 apartments, with buildings up to four stories high, increased parking and expanded buffers around nearby homes. 

The project is being pursued under a “friendly” Chapter 40B framework, drawing significant local opposition due to concerns about traffic, water supply, wetlands impact and rent levels. Local opposition even seems to have figured significantly in the recent municipal election, which swept a number of incumbents out of office.

The future of the project now depends in large part on the judgement and discretion of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), in part because the project requires waivers relative to many local requirements -- though state regulators also  still have some influence.

The latter part of the ZBA's meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, was devoted to discussing the matter and hearing feedback, mostly negative, from local citizens.

In the end, the ZBA voted to close the public hearing, which means no more input will be taken from the public. And they also opted to continue the matter at their next meeting on Dec. 4.

That meeting will be conducted exclusively via Zoom. Participants can use the ID # 976 0501 0023 & Link: https://zoom.us/j/97605010023