Developer Withdraws Proposed Life Sciences Zoning At Cinema Site

WOBURN, MA — Faced with resident opposition, a developer withdrew its request to rezone the Showcase Cinemas lot and allow a life sciences facility last month.

The Boston developer TDC received permission from City Council Dec. 21 to withdraw their petition without prejudice, allowing them to return freely, as first reported by the Daily Times Chronicle.

If the petition had been withdrawn with prejudice or had been rejected, the developer would have needed to wait two years to try again.

The council voted 7 to 1 in favor of the developer's request, with Ward One Councilor Joanne Campbell opposed, as she did not believe any sort of life sciences building could go in that site. Ward Two Councilor Richard Gately was absent.

The developer had previously asked to postpone the hearing on their request from an earlier meeting.

A number of residents of the area were at the meeting to speak against the proposal, mostly citing concerns about hazardous materials in a potential life sciences facility.

The Planning Board had recommended against the rezoning, although then-Council President Edward Tedesco noted, "We don't have to listen to the Planning Board." Tedesco did not run for re-election in November and a new council has since been sworn in.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.