Middleton Square 40B Development

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Important Links

MHP 40B Handbook

Comprehensive Permit Guidelines

Guidelines for Calculating General Land Area Minimum

Fact Sheet on Chapter 40B

Get notified of New Meeting Agendas

Findings for Site Approval

Public Comments for 2023 40B Application

This webpage has been created to allow the public to review the history of a 40B project proposed for the former Angelica's property and to check for new updates. 

The project was first proposed in the spring of 2022, but was withdrawn by August of 2022.  The same applicant then submitted an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance to allow multi-family housing in the R-1a zoning district; however, the application was withdrawn "without prejudice."  In February 2023 the Town Planner presented the results of a "General Land Area Calculation" (GLAM) to the Select Board.  The GLAM results showed that the Town could not claim "safe harbor" from Comprehensive Permit applications by proving that low or moderate-income housing existing on sites comprising 1.5 percent or more of the community’s total land area zoned for residential, commercial or industrial use.  In early April of 2023, the same applicant submitted a new application to MassHousing for a revised "40B" project.  See below for a copy of the newest application and for new updates on this project.

Timeline of Events

Date Event
Apr. 6, 2023 A new application for a Comprehensive Permit Site Approval Application was filed with MassHousing in early April, 2023 by Villebridge Acquisitions, LLC for the former Angelica's property. The project site is 3.05 acres, including 10 Boston Street, a portion of 49 S. Main Street, and a portion of 18 Boston Street. APPLICATION, SITE PLANS, ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS
May 2, 2023 The Select Board is soliciting feedback on the 40B project submitted to MassHousing. Comments can be submitted until June 13, 2023 to Katrina O'Leary (SEE NOTE ABOVE) via email (katrina.oleary@middletonma.gov) or mail (195 North Main Street, Middleton, MA 01949). The initial deadline was May 26, 2023. Anything received after June 13 will not be able to be submitted due to the deadline.  
June 15, 2023 The Select Board submitted their comments, along with comments received from residents, to Mass Housing on June 15. Copies of both can be found under the links below. Select Board Letter Resident Letters
July 24, 2023 MassHousing issues a Determination of Project Eligibility to Villebridge for the proposed project at the corner of South Main Street and Boston Street.
Aug. 4, 2023 Request from Villebridge to MassHousing to amend their project by shifting location of parking. 
Aug. 8, 2023 Select Board approves a scope of work for the Villlebridge Traffic Study
Aug. 10, 2023 MassHousing rules that a new Project Eligibility letter is not needed for the proposed project change.
Aug. 22, 2023 Villebridge files a Comprehensive Permit application with the Town Clerk.
Updated Site Plan 8/22/2023
Aug.24, 2023 ZBA reviews and approves a tentative schedule for the Villebridge 40B project review for ZBA meetings from September 2023 through April 2024. Deadlines under MGLc40Bs21& 760CMR56.00:
Public Hearing to be opened within 30 days of filing
Public Hearing cannot extend beyond 180 days from the first hearing date
The decision must be made within 40 days of the close of the public hearing
Sept. 20, 2023 Date of first scheduled public hearing for the Villebridge Comprehensive Permit project.  The meeting venue for September/October public hearings will be in the Cafetorium of the Fuller Meadow School to allow more space for interested members of the public. The public is welcome to send written comments regarding the project to the ZBA for their consideration during their review of the application. Comments should be sent to Town Planner Katrina O'Leary katrina.oleary@middletonma.gov. All comments received are public information and will be posted on this webpage. New information received on 9/14/2023: Presentation Slides Building Guidance
At the Sept. 20, 2023 meeting, the board appointed member Bill Renault as their representative for any non-substantive alterations regarding civil engineering and they appointed member Rich Benevento as their representative for any non-substantive alteration regarding the traffic study.
Oct. 12, 2023 First Peer Review Report from TEC Engineering is received and forwarded to the applicant so that they may respond.
Oct. 26, 2023 Continued Public Hearing at the Fuller Meadow School at 7:00 pm: Applicant's 10/17/23 response to TEC            Building Design Presentation for 10/26/23 Meeting
Nov. 16, 2023 Continued Public Hearing at the Fuller Meadow School Library at 7:00 pm.  New Info     All Engineering Reports