Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board opened a multi-meeting review of a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit application for 27 Kimball Road, a proposed 9.2-acre, 95-unit build-to-rent cottage community. City staff and legal counsel provided an overview of the 40B process and state affordability counting rules; the developer described the project program (1–2 story cottage units, a central park, private outdoor spaces, full-time on-site management) and engineering/utility concepts (stormwater designed to DEP standards, water service from Kimball Road, on-site tank/pump sewer solution). The developer stated 25% of units would be deed-restricted at 80% AMI (24 units), allowing the entire project to count toward the Subsidized Housing Inventory. The Board was reminded it has 180 days (subject to extensions) to complete its review and that waivers and peer review will be part of a lengthy process.

Members of the public raised safety, traffic, and emergency-response concerns for the narrow, winding Kimball Road access; cited speeding, recent paving impacts, and three recent accidents; and expressed worries about wetlands, increased runoff and basement flooding, sewer and water capacity, wildlife and habitat loss, snow removal and municipal services, and school and public-safety impacts. The Board unanimously voted to 1) authorize staff to solicit peer review quotes (initially for Civil and Stormwater Design, Hydrology, Traffic, and Local Conservation Ordinance/Regulations), 2) hold a special meeting on April 9, 2026 to continue project discussion, and 3) request formal comments from a list of municipal boards and committees plus the School Superintendent. Review scopes and consultant proposals will return to the Board for selection and further proceedings.