Foxboro Selectmen Asked To Deny Permit For Brew Pub/Apartments

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A resident abutting the former firehouse asked the Board of Selectmen to reject a proposal to build a craft beer brew pub with apartment buildings on the property. In May, the selectmen approved Douglass A. King Builders Inc.'s partnership with Shovel Town Brewery in Easton to build a second location with some of its own unique beers and food items exclusive to Foxborough. The proposal also called for 19 apartment units to be built at the former site of the old firehouse and Keating Funeral Home, but one resident argued the size of the project creates safety issues in the neighborhood and doesn't comply with Foxborough's zoning laws.

During citizens' comment at the July 15 selectmen meeting, Alison Bancroft, of Market Street said the proposed project is too close to the street and a half-story larger than it's supposed to be. She said the project's size will create safety issues for bikers because it will make it hard for drivers to see them coming in and out of the brew pub.

"It is completely and wholey ignoring the fact that the residential building is on the corner of two residential streets," Bancroft told the board. "And its building is not compatible in terms of scale, height, or architectural style with the abutting neighborhood."

King's proposal was ranked the best out of three reviewed by the town's economic development committee, this past March. It plans to demolish the old Keating Funeral Home, but renovate the existing firehouse building into a 3,900 square-foot brew pub with four apartment units. An additional 15 units are expected to be built in a new building, according to King's proposal.

Bancroft and other residents have brought their worries before the board previously. More than 350 residents signed a petition asking the selectmen to reject King's proposal in favor of Gibson Corner Realty Trust's plan to partner with Kitchen Partner LLC, the same company that opened the Union Straw restaurant at the former American Legion Hall on Mechanic Street. Gibson's plan called for small restaurant inside the old firehouse, along with five one-bedroom apartments.

Before the decision to go with King's proposal was made, Selectman David Feldman told residents their approval of the project doesn't mean the project can be built tomorrow, as there will still be a public hearing.

"Whoever is selected, it's just the start of the process for them," Feldman said prior to approving King's project last May.

The project still needs to be reviewed by the town's design review board, needs a special permit from the planning board, and must undergo a public hearing. That public hearing is scheduled for the Aug. 6 selectmen meeting.

More On Old Foxborough Firehouse Mixed Use Proposals

• Foxborough Chooses Shovel Town Brew Pub To Replace Old Firehouse
• Foxborough Pub Plan For Old Firehouse Back On With New Board
• Craft Beer Pub An Early Favorite For New Foxborough Development