Bay State Commons vs. Northborough Crossing

The topic of conversation around town often turns to whether Bay State Commons will survive the opening of the gi-normous Northborough Crossing. Like a glittering Oz up on the hill, the new shopping mecca features the much-hyped Wegman’s as their crowning jewel. We lost BJ’s Wholesale Club, The Dress Barn and the Paper Store from our town. 

Now the dust has settled. Some time has passed. My take on it is this: These two shopping centers are totally different.

Northborough Crossing was built on a large parcel of undeveloped land at the junction of two major routes. It consists, with the exception of Wegman’s, of franchised, found-in-every-mall big chain stores. Not to say we don’t need those- they have their place.

Bay State Commons was, by its history and location, a very different and very challenging site. Located smack in the middle of downtown, it had to be rezoned and voted on at Town Meeting. After much study and discussion, it was built as an extension of Westborough’s historic downtown. The concept was for a pedestrian-friendly blend of upscale retail and residences with architecture compatible with existing historic buildings. It features a two-acre park now deeded to the town.

As a member of the Design Review Board, I actively participated in its conceptual development. We reviewed and eventually approved every building, sign, sidewalk, lamppost and tree in the whole place. Pleasing in appearance, it is not your ordinary shopping mall. It has taken time to attract tenants but we are slowly getting those unique and upscale stores that are a great fit with our downtown. Boston Ski and Tennis and Boston Interiors have both recently opened there. There will be more to come.

Supermarket Wars: Meanwhile, is as busy and popular as ever.  It’s easy to get around it and the selection and quality are great. I find prices are no more than anywhere else. The location is convenient not just for Westborough residents, but for nearby towns like Hopkinton, Upton, and Grafton. As for Wegman’s: many locals can’t be bothered going through a bunch of traffic lights, then driving up the hill to a crowded parking lot and taking the time to navigate such a super-sized grocery store. It takes a lot of time to get through it. Some feel it’s expensive. Some say, just too crowded. But there’s no question: it’s a pretty impressive shopping experience if you have the time for it.

Aren’t we lucky to have such great choices! It wasn’t so long ago that we had a choice of Stop and Shop, or Stop and Shop.

The current competition has caused all of the grocery stores to price competitively, remodel, and offer up more choices. Each has their place and it seems like all will do fine. Here’s a hot scoop on the Speedway Plaza : they will soon be adding a liquor store within the store. According to the store manager, plans have been approved and this is “coming soon”!

‘What About Those Condos They Couldn’t Sell?’ Some people are still wondering what’s happened with Parkview on the Common, the condos at Bay State. After a promotional auction was held in late 2008 with prices adjusted to the proper market value, they all went under agreement like dominoes. The building has been sold out for years, and few resales have come up. Residents enjoy garage parking, an elevator building, and luxuriously upgraded one and two-bedroom units.

Did You Know? The park at Bay State is officially known as “The Bay State Green." A committee was formed to oversee improvements and promote events at the park. Currently they are planning a replacement for the old fountain which was installed by the developer but turned out to be unsuitable for the site. A historical plaque and flagpole are also in the planning stages. Although an initial lump sum of money was provided for the fountain site, a fundraising effort will be underway soon to complete all three improvements.