Town Meeting: HS Track and Stands, Rt. 1 Zoning Changes Approved

FOXBOROUGH, MA — New zoning for Route 1 was approved during an Annual Town Meeting which went over 5 hours Monday night and needs a second night to take up the entire warrant.

One of the most discussed issues on the Town Meeting warrant, voters approved changes which make uses such as hotels, retail, brewpub, and research and development projects by-right, as opposed to by special permit. Allowing outdoor athletic facilities in the R-40 residential district would be allowed as well and is a change that is being backed by the New England Revolution as they look to build new practice fields behind the south marketplace at Patriot Place. Other changes include building height, parking provisions, and the amount of space a property can dedicate to retail space. The vote came following an extremely long discussion on the article.

Voters also approved the completion of Sam Berns Community Field at Foxborough High School by signing off on $1.15 million for an eight-lane track, bleachers, and press box. The turf field was approved at the 2013 Annual Town Meeting and opened in the fall of 2014. The funding to complete the complex means that the high school will be able to host football games and track meets, likely ending the long-standing practice of using Jack Martinelli Field and the track at the Ahern Middle School.

Other approved items include the $79.5 million municipal budget, contracts for town firefighters and DPW workers, and a citizen's article which will request special legislation to allow Hops and Grapes to upgrade their package store wine and malt license to an all-alcohol license.

By 12:42 a.m., town meeting was forced to adjourn due to a lack of quorum. Town Meeting will consider articles 22-24 May 21 at Foxborough High School.

Image: File Photo