Developer presents 32-unit Chapter 40B townhouse plan; commission raises vernal-pool, buffer and notification concerns

James Tedro of Expedited Engineering presented a comprehensive-permit (Chapter 40B) filing for 32 townhouse-style rental units at 250 Turnpike Road before the Town of Southborough Conservation Commission on June 4. Tedro described a mostly wooded 5.22-acre site with previously delineated wetlands (reference to prior D numbers), access off an adjacent parcel, stormwater controls including a CDS unit and infiltration structures, and erosion-control measures (silt fence, straw waddles, erosion-control matting). He said the project is proposed as rental housing and that at least eight of the 32 units would meet affordability requirements under the comprehensive-permit process.

Commissioners and staff raised multiple environmental and procedural questions. Staff noted the project had been reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and that certain local bylaws were waived "to the extent necessary" to construct the project as shown on the approved plans. The commission asked town counsel whether waivers extend to the adjacent lot providing access and whether the waiver language in the ZBA decision applies beyond the southern lot. Commissioners also requested Lucas Environmental's formal review (staff will obtain a price for that review) and asked the applicant to provide the missing D-file number before the commission takes further action.

Environmental concerns focused on a detention basin that consultants characterize as having vernal-pool characteristics and on work inside the 20-foot no-disturb buffer in multiple locations. The applicant said the plan includes buffer mitigation (planting plans presented by Daughter Consulting) and structural steps to reduce intrusion, including stone-lined swales and additional infiltration. Commissioners also pressed the applicant to update the abutter notification list and to submit green cards/receipts for certified mail so abutters are clearly informed; staff requested clearer name-labeling on plan maps to help neighbors orient themselves.

The commission voted to continue the hearing to the next meeting to allow for Lucas Environmental review, to obtain the D-file number, and to receive updated certified-mail documentation. Commissioners noted prior ZBA review reduced the project from an earlier, larger apartment proposal and that the current design incorporated changes to reduce unit count and address drainage and buffer concerns.