The development proposal has been under review since August 2024 and has undergone several iterations to align with cost constraints and town planning requirements. The latest design features a single wood-constructed building, with adjustments made to the parking plan, now exclusively external, offering 160 spaces. The project also aims to mitigate its environmental impact, reducing buffer alteration by 6,000 square feet from previous designs. A variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals allows for increased density and a proposed height of 59.5 feet, slightly above the initially approved 57 feet, due to site elevation and stormwater management needs.

The urgency for project approvals was underscored during the meeting, with construction slated to begin in the spring to coincide with city work on a nearby roundabout. The developers project completion by August 2026.

Discussion of the site plan highlighted the inclusion of a bus stop turnout, strategically placed to avoid interference with roundabout traffic. The stormwater management plan retains an existing detention basin and introduces a 34-foot-long box culvert to manage water flow and improve surrounding areas with wetland plants and native stones.

Architectural details include a mix of residential units, with pre-wired electric vehicle spaces, a gym, and retail spaces on the ground floor. The building’s fifth floor features a stepped-back design with a rooftop patio, and the exterior will be finished using varied colors of brick and metal siding. The landscape plan incorporates a robust selection of trees, shrubs, and a bioretention area for pollinator habitats.

Public commentary during the meeting included concerns about the project’s impact on traffic, environment, and community demographics. There was a call for more substantial documentation on traffic impacts, with skepticism around informal communications used in previous assessments. Public sentiment also pressured the developers to consider housing options appealing to a diverse tenant base, including faculty and staff from the University of Massachusetts.

Further concerns were raised about the potential for aesthetic enhancements at the building’s facade and the use of impervious surfaces. The board members discussed the importance of adequate screening and setbacks to protect residential areas from the impacts of such a large project. The conversation included the possibility of increasing bike storage capacity, considering the site’s anticipated use by cyclists.

The meeting also addressed the need for a comprehensive approach to managing stormwater and accommodating future electric vehicle infrastructure. The transition for businesses affected by the demolition of existing structures was also queried, highlighting community concerns over the redevelopment’s broader impact.

Amid these discussions, the board agreed to continue the hearing to February 19, allowing further input from the Conservation Commission and clarification of the project’s standing with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

In addition to the University Drive project, the board reviewed construction logistics for the Fort River School site plan. The logistics plan was praised for its thoroughness, outlining safety measures and environmental protections during the construction process.

The board also discussed amendments to the University Drive overlay District, focusing on zoning bylaw changes to facilitate mixed-use developments. This included deliberations on height restrictions, buffer zones, and the balance between residential and commercial space, with an emphasis on ensuring new developments complement existing neighborhood character.