Community Corner

Land Court Affirms Beal Commons Project

The Beals Common project, a mixed-use development plan, was affirmed by the Massachusetts Land Court last week.

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Ian Dartley, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
The project, challenged by plaintiffs, was affirmed by the Massachusetts Land Court last week.
The project, challenged by plaintiffs, was affirmed by the Massachusetts Land Court last week. (Christine Charnosky/Patch)

SHREWSBURY, MA - The Massachusetts Land Court affirmed the Shrewsbury Planning Board's permit grants to the Beal Commons redevelopment project.

The mixed-use development will help reform the Beal School property in a community hub. The court issued three key findings:

  • Compliance with bylaws: The project adheres to all requirements of the zoning bylaws and its design supports Shrewsbury's goals for improving economic development, creating an eclectic town center and promoting smart growth.
  • Bylaw validity affirmed: The court upheld the validity of the bylaws and rejected claims of vaguness.
  • Traffic and safety validated: Credible expert analysis showed no major impact on traffic or safety.
  • Lack of standing: The court found that the plaintiffs failed the provide evidence of any measurable harms.

The Beal Commons project will include residential units, 7,000 square feet of commercial space, open space and a modernized parking area.

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