Trust seeks lower‑density HB Cottages concepts and authorizes $5,000 for Beach Street chimney/tree work

After community feedback at a Sept. public engagement session, the Westborough Affordable Housing Trust on Nov. 14 reviewed HB Cottages concepts for High Street Extension and Beach Street and agreed to ask Waterman Design to produce lower‑density alternatives and to run a community workshop.

What trustees asked for: Trustees asked for conceptual plans that include options such as 4, 3 and 2 building designs (combinations of single‑family, duplexes, and ADA‑accessible units), parking alternatives (tandem vs. side‑by‑side), and preliminary geotechnical input to assess ledge and blasting risk. Trustee discussion emphasized balancing neighborhood character, unit mix (including at least one ADA or senior‑appropriate unit), and the subsidy implications for the trust.

Neighborhood concerns: High Street attendees raised traffic, safety (no sidewalks), and vibration concerns tied to rock excavation; Beach Street neighbors pressed for tree preservation, reduced pavement, and limiting building proximity to existing houses. Trustees agreed a workshop with Waterman that allows the community to explore layout tradeoffs would be useful.

Emergency maintenance: Speaker 5 moved and the trust approved authorizing up to $5,000 for emergency maintenance at the Beach Street property to stabilize or remove a deteriorating chimney and address hazardous trees. The action was framed as risk mitigation to reduce liability while the property remains under trust control.

Next steps: Waterman Design will be asked to prepare multiple conceptual layouts and geotechnical recommendations; trust staff will schedule a community workshop. Staff will pursue the chimney/tree work under the emergency maintenance authorization and report back.