Planning Board Discussed Zoning Change for Muller Road Property

The Planning Board addressed the development of the Symes property along Muller Road once again at their meeting on Thursday, July 21. 

Sally Willard, Chairperson of the Land Use Committee appeared before the Board to explain her committee’s position on a warrant for the September Town Meeting to re-zone the property RO (residential) from IG (industrial).  Willard voiced concern that although the property owner has not protested the zoning change, the owner could at some point in the future contest the change and claim that the land was “taken.”  Willard expressed the Land Use Committee’s preference that the property owner co-sponsors the warrant in September.

Town Planner Tony Fields thought that any legal action against the zoning by the property owner is unlikely. Field also stated that even if litigation did occur, the Town’s position is strong.  Fields explained that the zoning change would open the door for a residential development which neighbors and Town Meeting had indicated is preferable to an industrial use.

“This zoning change sends a message back to Symes that if the land is to be developed, the preference is that it be developed residentially,” said Fields. “That cannot happen if the land stays zoned industrial,” he added.

Attorney Mark Vaughn of Reimer and Braunstein who represents Symes was in attendance representing other clients. Vaughn indicated that his client was not opposed to the zoning change.

“Single family residences is what Symes is interested in,” said Vaughn.

Eugene Road resident Pat Shinopulos was pleased with the discussion of a residential development.

“As long as it is individual residential housing, then I won’t have to come back,” Shinopulos said happily.

The Planning Board did not vote on the zoning change, but continued discussions to the August 8 meeting when it is hoped that the property owner will be present to discuss the warrant article.