weigh in on the Nobscot zoning changes before it's to late

For most of our readers, I surmise, already know about the zoning changes that are being suggested to get the property owner (Rose) to do something with the plaza. I've watched and attended a few explanation meetings about what might the land look like after the zoning changes. The bottom line is that the owner can ask for a variance (through the ZBA) to build housing along with retail and we'd not have much if any control over things like density and building heights. If the Council approves the zoning changes, some control could be gained by the planning board. But the end effect is that to make enough money on the project, there will be 150 plus apartments, with a retail component. The planning board is taking public comment for another 2 weeks or so. You can see the proposed changes at:

http://webapps.framinghamma.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=1106911&dbid=0

While much of this will make your eyes blury, if adopted, the entire Nobscott area will forever be changed. Some say for the better, some say not. Some say economic development is the way to improve our abandoned strip malls, others say it will cost us in the long run to encourage more apartments. Certainly no one can argue about the amount of traffic now, nor can anyone claim that no one will own a car or two who live there and there's the impact of children in our schools.  

So many details in this zoning and if you don't want this change that effects other parts of town as well, write to Amanda Loomis with your thoughts and questions.

aloomis@framinghamma.gov