Lakeville Select Board Discusses MBTA Property Development and Community Concerns Over Housing Projects
- Meeting Overview:
The Lakeville Select Board meeting on June 23, 2025, saw discussions on potential development at the former MBTA station site on Commercial Drive, with representatives from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) presenting plans to explore the site’s development potential. The meeting also addressed community concerns over increasing housing projects and the need for local amenities, highlighting a strong desire for balanced growth that aligns with Lakeville’s character and needs.
01:02The meeting began with a presentation by MBTA representatives Tom Cox and Scott Bosworth, who discussed the prospects for developing the MBTA-owned property on Commercial Drive. They emphasized the importance of community input and proposed initiating a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge local interest and determine the most suitable type of development. Cox and Bosworth assured the Select Board that any development would retain essential features such as parking for 200 vehicles and shared access drives to minimize disruption.
06:43Select Board members questioned the timeline for development and stressed the necessity of community involvement through public forums. They highlighted examples from other areas, such as Newport, where housing developments were pursued, and noted the challenges in commercial and industrial projects due to high construction costs.
13:45Discussions also touched on the potential for future commuter rail service expansion to Cape Cod, despite it being a low priority for the MBTA. The representatives reiterated the focus on current property development and community engagement, rather than immediate rail service enhancements. Questions about land boundaries and redevelopment trends revealed that the MBTA has not prioritized extensive transit-oriented development due to its historical preference for retaining properties.
41:22Community members voiced strong opinions during the public comments section, emphasizing the need for local amenities and expressing concerns over the influx of housing projects. One speaker suggested the idea of transfer of development rights to balance housing needs with land preservation, though acknowledged the community’s unfamiliarity with this approach. Another resident, Rich Lamera, opposed further housing development, citing the already significant allocation of the industrial park for residential use and the potential traffic and infrastructure burdens.
50:53Lamera highlighted the existing concentration of housing, referencing the Lakeville Hospital property slated to add 200 units, and expressed skepticism about the town’s capacity to manage increased density. He urged a focus on commercial growth over additional housing, pointing to the town’s budget constraints and lack of state support for smart growth initiatives.
Board of health member Chris echoed concerns over housing density and questioned the availability of state funding for necessary infrastructure to support new residents. Planning Board Chair Michelle McGra stressed the importance of amenities alongside housing, noting the community’s lack of supermarket access, which would be critical as the population grows.
43:38The absence of recreational activities and sit-down restaurants was also a focal point, with residents advocating for community preservation projects related to the Namask River and calling for state assistance in addressing the abandoned Lakeville Hospital property. Public outreach was deemed essential for gathering community feedback, with plans to conduct surveys and in-person events to ensure comprehensive input on development projects.
City Council Officials:
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/23/2025
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Recording Published:
06/24/2025
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Duration:
60 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Lakeville
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