Zoning Proposal Would Allow More Uses On Route 1

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A variety of zoning changes for Route 1 will be in front of voters at next month’s Town Meeting.

The town's economic development committee reviewed the proposed changes at a recent fourm, calling them much needed changes to the town’s economic engine.

"The existing zoning needed to be revised and strongly revised because people who were building up there were finding it difficult seeking opportunity to develop up there,” planning board Chairperson Kevin Weinfield said.

The chair said the planning board has not seen a new application for development in 20 years.

Proposed changes include making hotels, retail, brew pub, 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, 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.

“More things will be allowed by way if this passes town meeting. People who want to come to Massachusetts and a town like Foxborough need to know their project isn’t going to be held up a year or two by hearings for special permits,” Weinfield said.

Other proposed changes include building height, parking provisions, and the amount of space a property can dedicate to retail space.

Below is the full presentation. Click here to see more about the proposed zoning changes.

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