Natick Residents Raise Concerns Over Scale and Safety of Auburn Street Housing Project

Overview: The recent Natick Zoning Board meeting was dominated by discussions regarding a proposed redevelopment project at Five Auburn Street, which aims to introduce 32 units of affordable housing. While the project is seen as a potential solution to local housing shortages, it has sparked community concern regarding its scale, potential safety issues, and impact on neighborhood character and traffic.

Hampden Residents Demand Action on Double Poles Amid Utility Upgrades

Overview: At the recent Hampden Board of Selectmen meeting, residents expressed concerns over the installation of new utility poles by National Grid and Verizon New England on Chapen Road, emphasizing the need for immediate removal of existing double poles. The meeting also addressed fire safety initiatives, the sale of an ambulance, operational EV charging stations, and efforts to enhance local broadcast capabilities.

Jackson Planning Board Debates Proposed Ordinance Amidst Master Plan Concerns

Overview: The Jackson Township Planning Board meeting on November 18th centered around the discussion and approval of ordinance 3324, which addressed amendments to residential density standards in the Highway Commercial Mixed Use (HCM) Zone. This discussion was pivotal as it occurred concurrently with the board’s ongoing efforts to develop a new master plan. The ordinance was deemed consistent with the existing 2019 master plan re-examination, aligning with its recommendations for residential elements. However, board members expressed unease about proceeding with the ordinance while the new master plan was still in progress. They ultimately voted to recommend that the council delay the ordinance’s adoption until the master plan’s finalization.

Traffic and Safety Concerns Dominate Morris Plains Planning Board Meeting on Proposed McDonald’s

Overview: The Morris Plains Planning Board meeting was dominated by discussions regarding the proposed McDonald’s drive-thru and its potential impacts on local traffic dynamics and pedestrian safety. Central topics included the methodology and findings of the traffic studies, the implications for pedestrian safety, especially concerning nearby schoolchildren, and the anticipated changes in traffic patterns due to the new development. The meeting emphasized the need for comprehensive traffic management strategies to ensure community safety amidst the proposed changes.

Morris Plains Residents Raise Traffic Concerns Over Proposed McDonald’s Development

Overview: During the recent Morris Plains Planning Board meeting, discussions were dominated by concerns about traffic safety and management related to a proposed McDonald’s drive-thru. Residents voiced apprehensions over the potential impact on local traffic patterns, pedestrian safety, and the adequacy of existing traffic studies.