The first major topic was the revised development project on Main Street, which proposed 67 residential units over seven floors, adjusted from a 2019 plan. The modifications included an increase in on-site parking from 43 to 61 spaces, still five spaces short of zoning requirements, and the elimination of a controversial roof deck in favor of private patios. This change reduced the building’s height from 81 to 75 feet.

The developers emphasized the project’s potential economic benefits, projecting an annual net tax revenue of $185,000 due to the expected minimal demand for city services from the primarily young professional demographic. The project promised to transform an unattractive area into a more appealing urban environment, potentially boosting foot traffic for local businesses. Despite these benefits, residents like Dolores Priest and Holly Casdorf expressed concerns about traffic congestion and the building’s impact on Marlborough’s small-town character. Priest particularly highlighted the difficulty of left turns onto Route 85 due to heavy traffic and worried about the adequacy of public services and parking availability.

Council member discussions echoed these concerns, with questions about the project’s parking arrangements and potential fiscal benefits. The council considered the need for additional parking measures and the implications for local schools, as the new development might increase the number of school-age children in the area. The developer’s presentation stated that the building’s design would include electric vehicle charging stations, with an estimated ten spots on the first floor.

The second major topic was the proposed Ames Village Overlay District, a new zoning initiative aimed at facilitating multifamily housing on a property currently zoned for single-family homes. The developers presented a plan for “age-targeted” condominiums, intended primarily for empty nesters. Financial projections suggested nearly $450,000 in tax revenue, higher than from single-family homes.

The overlay district faced mixed reactions from the public. While several residents supported the preservation of green space and the reduced noise compared to single-family developments, others, like Kristen Larson, expressed opposition. Council members questioned the parking arrangements and the project’s broader impact on city resources, including emergency services and schools.

The council also reviewed administrative items, including a grant of $40,000 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for traffic enforcement initiatives. Discussions of a lease agreement with the South Middlesex Opportunity Council and a marijuana retail establishment’s special permit were referred to committees for further consideration.

As the meeting concluded, the council addressed a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for the Ames Village Overlay District. Attorney Brian Faulk highlighted the amendment’s prior favorable recommendations from city committees and the need for its resubmission due to procedural timelines. The proposal aimed to concentrate development along Ames and Forest Streets while preserving a vegetated buffer for existing single-family homes.