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Marlborough City Council · 2022–2023 Council · Regular meeting

September 18, 2023

20 recorded votes, 20 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page

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Attendance

Present: Mark A. Oram, Michael H. Ossing, Samantha Perlman, Kathleen D. Robey, Laura J. Wagner, David Doucette, Christian Dumais, Teona C. Brown, John J. Irish, Sean A. Navin, Donald R. Landers

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

Accept and file: Minutes of the City Council meeting, September 11, 2023

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Dumais, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Minutes of the City Council meeting, September 11, 2023, FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Dumais, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Minutes of the City Council meeting, September 11, 2023, FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Dumais)

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Close the public hearing: Application for Special Permit from Attorney Brian Falk on behalf of Post Road Realty, LLC to construct a mixed-use...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

That the PUBLIC HEARING on the Application for Special Permit from Attorney Brian Falk on behalf of Post Road Realty, LLC to construct a mixed-use, multi-family residential and commercial (retail/restaurant/other commercial use) project in the Executive Residential Overlay District (EROD) which will consist of 475 residential units at the corner of Simarano Drive and Cedar Hill Street, Order No. 23-1008952, all were heard who wish to be heard, hearing closed at 8:34 PM; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“adopted.”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“That the PUBLIC HEARING on the Application for Special Permit from Attorney Brian Falk on behalf of Post Road Realty, LLC to construct a mixed-use, multi-family residential and commercial (retail/restaurant/other commercial use) project in the Executive Residential Overlay District (EROD) which will consist of 475 residential units at the corner of Simarano Drive and Cedar Hill Street, Order No. 23-1008952, all were heard who wish to be heard, hearing closed at 8:34 PM; adopted..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Close the public hearing: Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 650 “Zoning” of the Code relative to Definitions, Affordable Housing, and...

Minutes, page 1

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

That the PUBLIC HEARING on the Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 650 “Zoning” of the Code relative to Definitions, Affordable Housing, and the Marlborough Village District (MV), Order No. 22/23-1008721H, all were heard who wish to be heard, hearing closed at 9:42 PM; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“adopted.”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“That the PUBLIC HEARING on the Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 650 “Zoning” of the Code relative to Definitions, Affordable Housing, and the Marlborough Village District (MV), Order No. 22/23-1008721H, all were heard who wish to be heard, hearing closed at 9:42 PM; adopted..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 1 (PDF)

Accept and file: Certification from Ward 4 Councilor Teona Brown as required under MGL Chapter 39 §23D (“Mullin Rule”), regarding the Application...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Brown, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Certification from Ward 4 Councilor Teona Brown as required under MGL Chapter 39 §23D (“Mullin Rule”), regarding the Application for Special Permit from George Voyiatzis to convert an existing structure into a multi-family residential building consisting of seventeen (17) units in the Neighborhood Business District (NB) at 358 Lincoln Street, FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Brown, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Certification from Ward 4 Councilor Teona Brown as required under MGL Chapter 39 §23D (“Mullin Rule”), regarding the Application for Special Permit from George Voyiatzis to convert an existing structure into a multi-family residential building consisting of seventeen (17) units in the Neighborhood Business District (NB) at 358 Lincoln Street, FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Brown)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Accept and file: Communication from the Mayor, re: Notification of Appointment of Paul Dinwoodie as the Director of Public Health by the Board of...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Dumais, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from the Mayor, re: Notification of Appointment of Paul Dinwoodie as the Director of Public Health by the Board of Health pursuant to MGL Chapter 111 §30, FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Dumais, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from the Mayor, re: Notification of Appointment of Paul Dinwoodie as the Director of Public Health by the Board of Health pursuant to MGL Chapter 111 §30, FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Dumais)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Moved to the end of agenda & file: Communication from City Solicitor Jason Grossfield, re: Request for Executive Session to discuss litigation...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from City Solicitor Jason Grossfield, re: Request for Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy relative to JW Capital Partners, LLC, and Marlborough TOTG LLC v. City of Marlborough (Land Court No. 23 MISC 000199), MOVED TO THE END OF AGENDA & FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from City Solicitor Jason Grossfield, re: Request for Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy relative to JW Capital Partners, LLC, and Marlborough TOTG LLC v. City of Marlborough (Land Court No. 23 MISC 000199), MOVED TO THE END OF AGENDA & FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Moved to item 15 & file: Communication from City Solicitor Jason Grossfield, re: Application for Special Permit from Rick Marino, Trustee on...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from City Solicitor Jason Grossfield, re: Application for Special Permit from Rick Marino, Trustee on behalf of Marco Realty Trust to expand a pre-existing nonconforming use pursuant to City Code Chapter 650 “Zoning” 12 (B) at 13- 15 Mechanic Street in the Marlborough Village District (MV), in proper legal form, Order No. 23-1008926E, MOVED TO ITEM 15 & FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from City Solicitor Jason Grossfield, re: Application for Special Permit from Rick Marino, Trustee on behalf of Marco Realty Trust to expand a pre-existing nonconforming use pursuant to City Code Chapter 650 “Zoning” 12 (B) at 13- 15 Mechanic Street in the Marlborough Village District (MV), in proper legal form, Order No. 23-1008926E, MOVED TO ITEM 15 & FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Moved to item 16 & file: Communication from Assistant City Solicitor Jeremy McManus, re: Application for Special Permit from George Voyiatzis to...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from Assistant City Solicitor Jeremy McManus, re: Application for Special Permit from George Voyiatzis to convert an existing structure into a multi-family residential building consisting of seventeen (17) units at 358 Lincoln Street in the Neighborhood Business District (NB), in proper legal form, Order No. 23-1008939B, MOVED TO ITEM 16 & FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from Assistant City Solicitor Jeremy McManus, re: Application for Special Permit from George Voyiatzis to convert an existing structure into a multi-family residential building consisting of seventeen (17) units at 358 Lincoln Street in the Neighborhood Business District (NB), in proper legal form, Order No. 23-1008939B, MOVED TO ITEM 16 & FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Approve: City Council has no objections to the deviations described in items 1 and 2 of the letter from Assistant Building Commissioner William...

Minutes, page 2

Adopt orderPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the City Council has no objections to the deviations described in items 1 and 2 of the letter from Assistant Building Commissioner William Paynton, dated September 11, 2023, and supports the continued compliance with item “Q” of the Special Permit for 487 Lincoln Street (Cozy Café), Order No. 16/17-1006735H, APPROVED; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“APPROVED”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the City Council has no objections to the deviations described in items 1 and 2 of the letter from Assistant Building Commissioner William Paynton, dated September 11, 2023, and supports the continued compliance with item “Q” of the Special Permit for 487 Lincoln Street (Cozy Café), Order No. 16/17-1006735H, APPROVED; adopted..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Accept and file: Communication from a resident, re: Opposition to the Proposed Amendment to City Code, Chapter 650 “Zoning” by adding a new...

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from a resident, re: Opposition to the Proposed Amendment to City Code, Chapter 650 “Zoning” by adding a new section to create the “Sasseville Way Residential Overlay District”, Order No. 23-1008941, FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from a resident, re: Opposition to the Proposed Amendment to City Code, Chapter 650 “Zoning” by adding a new section to create the “Sasseville Way Residential Overlay District”, Order No. 23-1008941, FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Accept and file: Minutes of following Boards, Commissions and Committees

Minutes, page 2

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Doucette, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Minutes of following Boards, Commissions and Committees, FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Doucette, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Minutes of following Boards, Commissions and Committees, FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Doucette)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Refer to the Legal Department: Following CLAIMS

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Perlman, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the following CLAIMS, referred to the LEGAL DEPARTMENT; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“adopted.”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Perlman, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the following CLAIMS, referred to the LEGAL DEPARTMENT; adopted..” (Motion: Perlman)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Suspend the rules

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Suspension of the Rules requested – granted.

The minutes record the result only (“granted.”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Suspension of the Rules requested – granted..”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Accept and file: Communication from City Engineer Thomas DiPersio, re: Proposed Acceptance of Permanent Sidewalk Easement and Temporary...

Minutes, page 3

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Perlman, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from City Engineer Thomas DiPersio, re: Proposed Acceptance of Permanent Sidewalk Easement and Temporary Construction Easement from the property owner of 249 and 257 Cedar Hill Street (IPG Photonics), FILE; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“FILE”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Perlman, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Communication from City Engineer Thomas DiPersio, re: Proposed Acceptance of Permanent Sidewalk Easement and Temporary Construction Easement from the property owner of 249 and 257 Cedar Hill Street (IPG Photonics), FILE; adopted..” (Motion: Perlman)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approve: City Council for the City of Marlborough hereby accepts from IPG Photonics Corporation, a Delaware corporation, with a usual place of...

Minutes, page 3

Adopt orderPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Perlman, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the City Council for the City of Marlborough hereby accepts from IPG Photonics Corporation, a Delaware corporation, with a usual place of business at 377 Simarano Drive, Marlborough, Massachusetts (the “Grantor”), a temporary construction easement and permanent sidewalk easement on a certain portion of the Grantor’s land located at 249 and 257 Cedar Hill Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, in substantially the form as attached hereto in the Easement Deed. DESCRIPTION The “Easement Area” is a ten foot (10’) wide strip of land shown as “10’ WIDE SIDEWALK EASEMENT” on a plan (the “Plan”) entitled, “Easement Plan, #249 & #257 Cedar Hill Street, Marlborough, MA” Prepared for City of Marlborough, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, Prepared By: Bruce Saluk & Associates, Inc. Civil Engineering & Surveying, 576 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752, Date: June 12, 2023, Scale: 1”=40’”, said Easement Area contains 1,989 square feet, more or less, on the 249 Parcel plus 6,841 square feet, more or less, on the 257 Parcel. The “Temporary Easement Area” is a twenty-five foot (25’) wide strip of land shown as “25’ TEMPORARY EASEMENT” on the Plan. Said Temporary Easement Area contains 4,967 square feet, more or less, on the 249 Parcel plus 17,087 square feet, more or less, on the 257 Parcel according to said Plan. APPROVED; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“APPROVED”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Perlman, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the City Council for the City of Marlborough hereby accepts from IPG Photonics Corporation, a Delaware corporation, with a usual place of business at 377 Simarano Drive, Marlborough, Massachusetts (the “Grantor”), a temporary construction easement and permanent sidewalk easement on a certain portion of the Grantor’s land located at 249 and 257 Cedar Hill Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, in substantially the form as attached hereto in the Easement Deed. DESCRIPTION The “Easement Area” is a ten foot (10’) wide strip of land shown as “10’ WIDE SIDEWALK EASEMENT” on a plan (the “Plan”) entitled, “Easement Plan, #249 & #257 Cedar Hill Street, Marlborough, MA” Prepared for City of Marlborough, 140 Main Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, Prepared By: Bruce Saluk & Associates, Inc. Civil Engineering & Surveying, 576 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, MA 01752, Date: June 12, 2023, Scale: 1”=40’”, said Easement Area contains 1,989 square feet, more or less, on the 249 Parcel plus 6,841 square feet, more or less, on the 257 Parcel. The “Temporary Easement Area” is a twenty-five foot (25’) wide strip of land shown as “25’ TEMPORARY EASEMENT” on the Plan. Said Temporary Easement Area contains 4,967 square feet, more or less, on the 249 Parcel plus 17,087 square feet, more or less, on the 257 Parcel according to said Plan. APPROVED; adopted..” (Motion: Perlman)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Approve with conditions: Petition from Mass Electric and Verizon New England to install two new jointly owned poles, #22-25, and #22-26, on Forest...

Minutes, page 5

Adopt orderPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Landers, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Petition from Mass Electric and Verizon New England to install two new jointly owned poles, #22-25, and #22-26, on Forest Street approximately 1500’ east of the centerline of the intersection of Forest Street and Sandini Road to serve a new building at 201 Forest Street, APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“APPROVED”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Landers, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Petition from Mass Electric and Verizon New England to install two new jointly owned poles, #22-25, and #22-26, on Forest Street approximately 1500’ east of the centerline of the intersection of Forest Street and Sandini Road to serve a new building at 201 Forest Street, APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS; adopted..” (Motion: Landers)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Grant special permit decision: a Special Permit to Marco Realty Trust

Minutes, page 5

Adopt orderPassed · 10–1

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: DECISION ON A SPECIAL PERMIT ORDER NO. 23-1008926F The City Council of the City of Marlborough hereby GRANTS the Application for a Special Permit to Marco Realty Trust (the “Applicant”) for an automobile repair use at 13-15 Mechanic Street, as provided in this Decision and subject to the following Findings of Fact and Conditions. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The Applicant, Rick Marino, Trustee of Marco Realty Trust, is a Massachusetts real estate trust with an address of 19 Mechanic Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. 2. The Applicant is the owner of the property located at 13-15 Mechanic Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, being shown as Parcel 378 on Assessors Map 69 (the “Site”). 3. In accordance with Article IV, Section 650-12.B, of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Marlborough (the “Zoning Ordinance”), the Applicant proposes a change of the preexisting nonconforming glass repair use of the Site to an automobile repair use to complement and serve as part of an expansion of the current automobile repair use on the adjacent property located at 19 Mechanic Street, Marlborough, MA, including making certain non-structural modifications to the existing garage at the Site, improving the front façade, installing two garage doors along the side of the garage, new bathroom, equipment storage platform, and three automotive lifts, all within the current structural envelope (the “Use”). As shown on the Plans...

Yes: Brown, Doucette, Dumais, Irish, Landers, Navin, Oram, Ossing, Perlman, RobeyNo: Wagner

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: DECISION ON A SPECIAL PERMIT ORDER NO. 23-1008926F The City Council of the City of Marlborough hereby GRANTS the Application for a Special Permit to Marco Realty Trust (the “Applicant”) for an automobile repair use at 13-15 Mechanic Street, as provided in this Decision and subject to the following Findings of Fact and Conditions. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The Applicant, Rick Marino, Trustee of Marco Realty Trust, is a Massachusetts real estate trust with an address of 19 Mechanic Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. 2. The Applicant is the owner of the property located at 13-15 Mechanic Street, Marlborough, Massachusetts, being shown as Parcel 378 on Assessors Map 69 (the “Site”). 3. In accordance with Article IV, Section 650-12.B, of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Marlborough (the “Zoning Ordinance”), the Applicant proposes a change of the preexisting nonconforming glass repair use of the Site to an automobile repair use to complement and serve as part of an expansion of the current automobile repair use on the adjacent property located at 19 Mechanic Street, Marlborough, MA, including making certain non-structural modifications to the existing garage at the Site, improving the front façade, installing two garage doors along the side of the garage, new bathroom, equipment storage platform, and three automotive lifts, all within the current structural envelope (the “Use”). As shown on the Plans referenced in paragraph 5 below, the Use consists of an existing metal commercial garage to contain the general automotive repair operation, accessory parking area, and front landscaped area along Mechanic Street. 4. The Applicant, by and through its counsel, filed with City Clerk of the City of Marlborough an Application for a Special Permit (“Application”) for the Use. 5. In connection with the Application, the Applicant submitted a certified list of abutters, filing fees, and a site plan entitled “Certified Plot Plan in Marlborough, MA” prepared for: Marco Realty Trust prepared by J.D. Marquedant & Associates, Inc., dated March 8, 2023, site plan entitled “13-15 Mechanic Street” Proposed Conditions and Erosion Control, Plan of Land prepared for: Marco Realty Trust prepared by J.D. Marquedant & Associates, Inc with a last revised date of July 3, 2023 and architectural drawings and plans entitled “Renovations to: Professional Automotive - 13 Mechanic St Shop”, prepared by Context Studios LLC dated December 22, 2022, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the City Council for the issuance of a Special Permit (collectively, the “Plans”), attached hereto as “ATTACHMENT A”. 6. The Application was certified as complete by the Building Commissioner of the City of Marlborough, acting on behalf of the City Planner for the City of Marlborough, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the City Council for the issuance of a Special Permit. 7. The Site has an area of 8,843 square feet +/- as shown on the Plans. 8. The Site has hosted various residential and commercial uses, most recently a variety of glass repair service uses, since the early 1980s. 9. The Site was rezoned from Residential Business to Marlborough Village in 2014. Following this Zoning Map amendment, the Site became preexisting nonconforming with respect to use. 10. Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the City Council for the City of Marlborough and applicable statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City Council established a date for a public hearing on the Application and the City Clerk for the City of Marlborough caused notice of the same to advertised and determined that notice of the same was provided to abutters entitled thereto in accordance with applicable regulations and law. 11. The Marlborough City Council, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, opened a public hearing on the Application on Monday, July 24, 2023. The public hearing was held at the Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main Street. The hearing was closed on July 24, 2023. 12. The Applicant, and the Applicant’s representatives, presented testimony at the public hearing detailing the Use, the former history of the use of the locus, describing the impact of the Use and proposed non-structural modifications on the neighborhood, and traffic. 13. As part of the public hearing, approximately 75 people attended the hearing, and many voiced their support for the Use. Numerous letters were received in support of the Use. A letter with concerns about the Use negatively affecting one’s property was submitted by a commercial neighbor, whose opposition to the Use was noted at the public hearing. BASED ON THE ABOVE, THE CITY COUNCIL MAKES THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS AND TAKES THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS A. The Applicant has complied with all Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Marlborough City Council as they pertain to special permit applications. B. The City Council finds that the proposed non-structural modifications to the garage and the general auto repair use would not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing glass repair use of the Site. C. The City Council finds that the preexisting nonconforming use of the Site has not been abandoned or not used for a period of two years or more. D. The City Council finds that the proposed Use is not enlarged to more than 25% of the floor and ground area of the preexisting nonconforming use, as no changes are proposed to the footprint of the building or the Site with the exception of certain improvements to be made to the front façade of the garage (cement brickface and molding identical to 19 Mechanic Street garage). E. The City Council, pursuant to its authority under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A and the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Marlborough hereby GRANTS the Applicant a Special Permit to change the preexisting nonconforming glass repair use of the Site to an automobile repair use to complement and serve as part of an expansion of the current automobile repair use on the adjacent property located at 19 Mechanic Street, Marlborough, MA, including making certain non-structural modifications to the existing garage at the Site, improving the front façade, installing two garage doors along the side of the garage, new bathroom, equipment storage platform, and three automotive lifts, all within the current structural envelope, as shown on the Plans, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, which conditions shall be binding on the Applicant, its successors and/or assigns: 1. Construction in Accordance with Applicable Laws. Construction at the Site is to be in accordance with all applicable building codes and zoning regulations in effect in the City of Marlborough and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 2. Site Plan Review. The issuance of the Special Permit is further subject to detailed Site Plan Review by the Site Plan Review Committee, in accordance with the City of Marlborough Site Plan Review Ordinance prior to the issuance of the building permit. Any additional changes, alterations, modifications, or amendments, as required during the process of Site Plan Review, shall be further conditions attached to the building permit, and no occupancy permit shall be issued until the Applicant has complied with all conditions. Subsequent Site Plan Review shall be consistent with the conditions of this Special Permit and the Plans submitted, reviewed, and approved by the City Council as the Special Permit Granting Authority. Site Plan Review shall consider among other things drainage, curbing, parking, construction of a retaining wall and guard rail along with signage and plantings. 3. Landscaping: As part of Site Plan Review, additional plantings may be required beyond that specified in the Zoning Ordinance in order to improve the Site appearance on this prominent and visible section of Main Street. 4. Incorporation of Submissions. All plans, photo renderings, site evaluations, briefs and other documentation provided by the Applicant as part of the Application, and as amended or revised during the application/hearing process before the City Council and/or the City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee, are herein incorporated into and become a part of this Special Permit and become conditions and requirements of the same, unless otherwise altered by the City Council. 5. Access. The Applicant shall maintain and provide access to 7-9 Mechanic Street Right of Way in accordance with any applicable instrument/plan of record. 6. Operations. All auto repair activities shall take place indoors. All loading and unloading shall take place within the Site and not on Mechanic Street, and no deliveries of materials or equipment or shipments from the Site shall be permitted on Sunday. The operating hours shall be limited to Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There shall be no operation of the Use on Sunday. The sale of vehicles is prohibited on the Site. Outdoor storage is prohibited on the Site. 7. Lighting. Exterior lighting at the Site shall be downward facing and shielded to minimize impacts on neighboring properties. Exterior lighting at the Site shall be shut off outside of operating hours, except for lighting necessary for security and emergency access. 8. Signs. Signage at the Site shall comply with the City’s Sign Ordinance with any free- standing sign at the Site’s driveway entrance being substantially the same as the sign shown in the photo attached hereto as “ATTACHMENT B”. 9. Noise and Air Quality. The Applicant shall comply with the City’s Noise Ordinance and shall comply with all state and federal requirements governing air quality and emissions. 10. Recording of Decision. In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A, Section 11, the Applicant, its successors and/or assigns, at its expense shall record this Special Permit in the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds after the City Clerk has certified that the twenty-day period for appealing this Special Permit has elapsed with no appeal having been filed, and before the Applicant has applied to the Building Commissioner for a building permit. Upon recording, the Applicant shall forthwith provide a copy of the recorded Special Permit to the City Council’s office, the Building Department, and the City Solicitor’s office. Yea: 10 – Nay: 1 Yea: Doucette, Dumais, Brown, Irish, Navin, Landers, Oram, Ossing, Perlman, & Robey. Nay: Wagner..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Grant special permit decision: a Special Permit to George Voyiatzis

Minutes, page 9

Adopt orderPassed · 10–0

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: DECISION ON A SPECIAL PERMIT ORDER NO. 23-1008939D The City Council of the City of Marlborough hereby GRANTS the Application for a Special Permit to George Voyiatzis (the “Applicant”) for a multifamily dwelling project at 358 and 364 Lincoln Street in the Neighborhood Business Zoning District, as provided in this Decision and subject to the following Findings of Fact and Conditions. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The Applicant, George Voyiatzis, is the Manager of Lincoln 358 Realty, LLC, which owns the property located 358 and 364 Lincoln Street in Marlborough, MA, being shown on Assessors Map 69 as Parcels 265 and 267, as shown on the Plans referenced in paragraph 5 below (the “Site”). The Applicant has a mailing address of 115 Pleasant Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. 2. In accordance with Section 650-12.B, Section 650-17, Section 650-18(A)(4), and Section 650-39 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Marlborough (the “Zoning Ordinance”), the Applicant proposes a multifamily dwelling at the Site (the “Use”). As shown on the Plans referenced in paragraph 5 below, the Use consists of 17 residential units in a former armory building, a parking area with 32 spaces, and landscaped areas. 3. The Applicant filed with the City Clerk of the City of Marlborough an Application for a Special Permit (“Application”) for the Use. 4. In connection with the Application, the Applicant submitted a certified list of...

Yes: Brown, Doucette, Irish, Landers, Navin, Oram, Ossing, Perlman, Robey, WagnerAbstained: DumaisChristian Dumais abstained (shown as abstaining, not voting).

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: DECISION ON A SPECIAL PERMIT ORDER NO. 23-1008939D The City Council of the City of Marlborough hereby GRANTS the Application for a Special Permit to George Voyiatzis (the “Applicant”) for a multifamily dwelling project at 358 and 364 Lincoln Street in the Neighborhood Business Zoning District, as provided in this Decision and subject to the following Findings of Fact and Conditions. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. The Applicant, George Voyiatzis, is the Manager of Lincoln 358 Realty, LLC, which owns the property located 358 and 364 Lincoln Street in Marlborough, MA, being shown on Assessors Map 69 as Parcels 265 and 267, as shown on the Plans referenced in paragraph 5 below (the “Site”). The Applicant has a mailing address of 115 Pleasant Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. 2. In accordance with Section 650-12.B, Section 650-17, Section 650-18(A)(4), and Section 650-39 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Marlborough (the “Zoning Ordinance”), the Applicant proposes a multifamily dwelling at the Site (the “Use”). As shown on the Plans referenced in paragraph 5 below, the Use consists of 17 residential units in a former armory building, a parking area with 32 spaces, and landscaped areas. 3. The Applicant filed with the City Clerk of the City of Marlborough an Application for a Special Permit (“Application”) for the Use. 4. In connection with the Application, the Applicant submitted a certified list of abutters, filing fees, and a site plan entitled “Proposed Addition To: 358 Lincoln Street” by Spruhan Engineering, P.C., with the last revision date of July 22, 2023 (the “Plans”) attached hereto as “ATTACHMENT A”. 5. The Application was certified as complete by the Building Commissioner of the City of Marlborough, acting on behalf of the City Planner for the City of Marlborough, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations promulgated by the City Council for the issuance of a Special Permit. 6. The Site is located in the Neighborhood Business Zoning District. 7. The Site has an area of 24,768 square feet +/- as shown on the Plans. 8. The armory building on the Site is preexisting nonconforming with respect to front, side, and rear yard setbacks, and parking. 9. Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the City Council for the City of Marlborough and applicable statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City Council established a date for a public hearing on the Application and the City Clerk for the City of Marlborough caused notice of the same to be advertised and determined that notice of the same was provided to abutters entitled thereto in accordance with applicable regulations and law. 10. The Marlborough City Council, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, opened a public hearing on the Application on Monday, August 21, 2023. The public hearing was held at the Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main Street. The hearing was closed on August 21, 2023. 11. The Applicant, through its representatives, presented testimony at the public hearing detailing the Use, describing its impact upon municipal services, the neighborhood, and traffic. 12. At the public hearing, five members of the public spoke in favor of the use and no members of the public spoke in opposition to the Use. 13. Councilor Teona Brown was absent from the single session of the public hearing on the Application. Prior to the vote on this decision, Councilor Brown filed a written certification as to examination of all the evidence and testimony received at the hearing session as set forth in “ATTACHMENT B” hereto, made as part of the record of the hearing, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 39, Section 23D. BASED ON THE ABOVE, THE CITY COUNCIL MAKES THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS AND TAKES THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS A. The Applicant has complied with all Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Marlborough City Council as they pertain to special permit applications. B. The City Council finds that the proposed change of the preexisting nonconforming building to a multifamily dwelling use with parking areas and landscaping would not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood than the prior armory use of the Site. C. The City Council finds that the floor and ground area of the preexisting nonconforming building is not enlarged by more than 25% as part of the Use. D. The City Council finds that the proposed Use of the Site is an appropriate use and in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Marlborough when subject to the appropriate terms and conditions as provided herein. The City Council makes these findings subject to the completion and adherence by the Applicant, its successors and/or assigns to the conditions more fully set forth herein. E. The City Council, pursuant to its authority under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A and the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Marlborough hereby GRANTS the Applicant a Special Permit for a multifamily dwelling at the Site as shown on the Plans filed, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, which conditions shall be binding on the Applicant, its successors and/or assigns: 1. Construction in Accordance with Applicable Laws. Construction of all structures on the Site is to be in accordance with all applicable Building Codes and Zoning Regulations in effect in the City of Marlborough and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be built according to the Plans as may be amended during Site Plan Review. 2. Site Plan Review. The issuance of the Special Permit is further subject to detailed Site Plan Review by the Site Plan Review Committee, in accordance with the City of Marlborough Site Plan Review Ordinance prior to the issuance of the building permit. Any additional changes, alterations, modifications, or amendments, as required during the process of Site Plan Review, shall be further conditions attached to the building permit, and a final certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the Applicant has complied with all conditions, provided that the Site Plan Committee may authorize the phasing of site and building work depending upon weather conditions and other factors. Subsequent Site Plan Review shall be consistent with the conditions of this Special Permit and the Plans submitted, reviewed, and approved by the City Council as the Special Permit Granting Authority. 3. Modification of Plans. Notwithstanding conditions #1 and #2 above, the Site Plan Review Committee may approve minor amendments to the Plan’s, so long as said changes do not materially increase the impervious area of the Use, alter traffic flow, or materially increase the size of the building, or increase the number of residential units, all as shown on the Plans. 4. Incorporation of Submissions. All plans, photo renderings, site evaluations, briefs and other documentation provided by the Applicant as part of the Application, and as amended or revised during the application/hearing process before the City Council and/or the City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee, are herein incorporated into and become a part of this Special Permit and become conditions and requirements of the same, unless otherwise altered by the City Council. 5. Storm Water and Erosion Control Management. The Applicant shall ensure that its site superintendent during construction of the project is competent in stormwater and erosion control management. This individual(s)’ credentials shall be acceptable to the Engineering Division of the City’s Department of Public Works and the City’s Conservation Commission. This individual(s) shall be responsible for checking the Site before, during, and after storm events including weekends and evenings when storms are predicted. This individual(s) shall ensure that no untreated stormwater leaves the Site consistent with the State’s and the City’s stormwater regulations. This individual(s) shall ensure compliance with the approved sequence of construction plan and the approved erosion control plan. The Applicant shall grant this individual(s) complete authority of the Site as it relates to stormwater and erosion controls. 6. Landscaping and Screening. As part of site plan review, the Site Plan Review Committee shall review the Site’s landscaping and screening and shall be authorized to require additional fencing or landscaping as needed to provide appropriate buffers and screening for the adjacent properties and future residents of the Site. 7. Landscaping Easement over 31 Gay Street. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for the Use, the Applicant shall obtain and have recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds a permanent landscaping easement over a portion of the abutting property located at 31 Gay Street, as shown on the Plans. The landscaping shown on the approved site plan within this easement area shall be maintained in perpetuity as part of the 358 and 364 Lincoln Street property maintenance. 8. Lighting. Exterior lighting at the Site shall be downward facing and shielded to minimize impacts on neighboring properties, with a lighting plan for the Site to be reviewed and further conditioned during the Site Plan Review process. 9. Electric Utilities. The Use shall have all-electric utilities, including heat, air conditioning, and hot water. 10. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The Applicant shall comply with all municipal, state, and federal rules, regulations, and ordinances as they may apply to the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Use. 11. Recording of Decision. In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A, Section 11, the Applicant, at its expense shall record this Special Permit in the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds after the City Clerk has certified that the twenty-day period for appealing this Special Permit has elapsed with no appeal having been filed, and before the Applicant has applied to the Building Commissioner for a building permit. Upon recording, the Applicant shall forthwith provide a copy of the recorded Special Permit to the City Council’s office, the Building Department, and the City Solicitor’s office. Yea: 10 – Nay: 0 – Abstain: 1 Yea: Wagner, Doucette, Brown, Irish, Navin, Landers, Oram, Ossing, Perlman, & Robey. Abstain: Dumais.” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

Go into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to…litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the…litigating...

Minutes, page 12

ProceduralPassed · 10–0

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Marlborough City Council meet in executive session under Purpose 3 of the Open Meeting Law, MGL c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3), to “discuss strategy with respect to…litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the…litigating position of the public body” regarding the pending matter, JW Capital Partners, LLC and Marlborough TOTG LLC v. Marlborough City Council (Land Court No. 23 MISC 000199), as the chair hereby declares that discussion in an open session may have a detrimental effect on the City and the City Council’s litigating position. The City Council will not re-convene in open session after the Executive Session. APPROVED; adopted. Yea: 10 – Nay: 0 – Abstain: 1 Yea: Wagner, Doucette, Brown, Irish, Navin, Landers, Oram, Ossing, Perlman, & Robey. Abstain: Dumais.

Yes: Brown, Doucette, Irish, Landers, Navin, Oram, Ossing, Perlman, Robey, WagnerAbstained: DumaisChristian Dumais abstained (shown as abstaining, not voting).

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED: That the Marlborough City Council meet in executive session under Purpose 3 of the Open Meeting Law, MGL c. 30A, s. 21(a)(3), to “discuss strategy with respect to…litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the…litigating position of the public body” regarding the pending matter, JW Capital Partners, LLC and Marlborough TOTG LLC v. Marlborough City Council (Land Court No. 23 MISC 000199), as the chair hereby declares that discussion in an open session may have a detrimental effect on the City and the City Council’s litigating position. The City Council will not re-convene in open session after the Executive Session. APPROVED; adopted. Yea: 10 – Nay: 0 – Abstain: 1 Yea: Wagner, Doucette, Brown, Irish, Navin, Landers, Oram, Ossing, Perlman, & Robey. Abstain: Dumais..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Adjourn

Minutes, page 12

ProceduralPassed · Voice vote, names not recorded

Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED There being no further business, the regular meeting of the City Council is herewith adjourned at 10:06 PM; adopted.

The minutes record the result only (“adopted.”), with no count or names, so MassVoter shows the result only and does not show how each councilor voted.

From the minutes

“Motion by Councilor Robey, seconded by the Chair to adopt the following: ORDERED There being no further business, the regular meeting of the City Council is herewith adjourned at 10:06 PM; adopted..” (Motion: Robey)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

From the Marlborough City Council’s official minutes, posted by the City Clerk in the city’s Agenda Center (City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: Marlborough Patch candidate profiles (photos courtesy of the candidates; cropped by MassVoter). Trey Fuccillo: The Berkeley Beacon (Ashlyn Wang). The city website has no councilor photos. Heather Gould and former councilors show initials.

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