Woburn Council Could Discuss 2 Life Science Projects Tuesday

WOBURN, MA — Woburn City Council could discuss two life sciences development proposals at their meeting Tuesday, with significant proposals on the agenda for both the former Atlantic Gelatin site The Vale and for the Showcase Cinema parking lot.

The petitioner for the Showcase Cinema project, which would require a zoning overlay district covering the area, requested a continuance to the next meeting, Dec. 21, according to the agenda.

The Planning Board voted 3-2 to recommend against the proposal, according to the extended agenda for the meeting.

"Board members on the prevailing side of this recommendation did not support the proposed rezoning largely because it would allow the use of some amount of high hazard materials and processes in relatively close proximity to residential uses," Planning Board Director Tina Cassidy wrote.

The Daily Times Chronicle covered the proposed development after it was first presented to City Council in Nov.

The other proposal, for the Vale project at the former Kraft "Jelly" site off Montvale Avenue, represents a shift from earlier plans for the site. The developers are asking to build a life sciences campus, rather than an office park and hotel, the Daily Times Chronicle reported.

City Council could vote on the Vale project Tuesday. The council already approved significant housing construction on another part of the site.

The council meets at 7 p.m. at Woburn City Hall, 10 Common Street.

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