Concerns remain over Franklin Street Housing Project

A proposed housing project on Franklin Street has caused much controversy in the months since the idea was introduced. 

Questions of future development, runoff water, and zoning regulations have worried local residents, fears that have only amplified as the project has moved forward. 

Property owner John Desmond spoke in front of the town Board of Selectman and concerned citizens at Tuesday night’s meeting to address some of these questions. 

Desmond was initially seeking support from the selectmen so the development could move forward as a “local initiative project,” or “LIP.” “LIP” projects offer less regulation, a quicker process and more community involvement than proposals without the designation.

The proposed project would add six units of affordable housing to the lot by converting already existing buildings into livable spaces.  One of these buildings, a garage, is currently not zoned as a residence.  Desmond is looking to have the lot rezoned.  We’re trying to minimize impact to the neighborhood,” he said, “If the feeling is that the building should be a garage, it would stay.”

About two dozen Wrentham residents from lots around the proposed project showed up to the meeting to voice their qualms. Others voiced questions of what construction would mean for their septic system and water supply. 

“I would like this process to be as open as possible,” said Desmond.

Board Chairman Joseph Botaish counseled caution.

“Wrentham needs affordable housing, but it has to be done in the right way,” said Botaish. “I don’t think anyone here is just saying ‘not in my backyard' . . . They have legitimate concerns that need to be addressed.”

The selectmen also questioned what, exactly, they would be endorsing. None of the selectmen were ready to endorse the project as a whole yet, as they had not seen any of the construction plans.

 “My signature on a piece of paper means something," Botaish said. "Why would we support something but not approve of it?”

Selectman Stephen Langley had a different view. 

“It’s worth the time to move forward,” he said. “We’re asking ‘could’ this project be beneficial?  Not ‘will’ it, or ‘is’ it, but ‘could’ it.” 

“Everyone’s concerns are legitimate, but we can't address them here,” he added.

The vote to support the Wrentham Town House project as a “LIP” will take place at the next selectman’s meeting on August 16. Citizens will again be invited to the meeting to ask questions.