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Planning Board

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Displeasure About University Station at School Committee Information Session

Full house attends school committee meeting for informational session on University Station. Committee members and meeting attendees seem unhappy with portions of project so far.

In front of a packed auditorium in which some people were forced to sit on the floor or stand, the developers looking to build University Station and the expert planner hired by the town spoke in front of the School Committee for the first time last night to bring them up-to-date in an informational session that left many questioned unanswered. After Planning Board chairperson Jack Wiggin gave a brief summary of what has been going on with the process and what’s expected to take place in the upcoming weeks, a representative from the developer took over and pointed out where things would be on a map. The residential part of the project, which seems to be the most controversial based on residents’ remarks and reactions, compares to a project…

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WW Resident

4:05 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

also, there is definitely a silent population who are unopposed (or indifferent) to the plan... but I think those opposed are much more passionate and vocal about their opposition and concerns about the plan (especially the residential ccmponent)... read the minutes on the town website of the planning board meetings and you will see many, many references of residents attending the meetings and …   more ›

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

University Station Fiscal Analysis Presented, Debated

Developer's expert presents report, while town's expert disagrees on some methods and conclusions. Both have more work to do as the process rolls on.

The Champagne Room at Carby Street was filled up last night for the Planning Board meeting as the discussions surrounding University Station continued. Zoning bylaws were on the agenda, but the topic the majority of the room seemed most interested in was the Fiscal Impact Analysis. John Connery, the expert who prepared the Fiscal Impact Analysis for the developer, began by presenting his opinion by explaining the methodology used to determine his results. He explained how he tries to find comparable communities and projects and for the retail portion of the project he used South Shore Plaza, Burlington Mall, Derby St., Legacy Place and another place in Burlington. “[University Station] is somewhat different than the five I mentioned,” …

sean

1:33 pm on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Robert, Thanks again! Those are very good coverages and useful information. The difference between condo and apartment is really astonishing. Very interesting!   more ›

Monday, November 5, 2012

Planning Board Meeting Tonight at Islington Community Center

The Planning Board will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Islington Community Center to discuss traffic and transportation issues related to the University Station development.

The Planning Board will meet at the Islington Community Center tonight at 6:30 p.m. instead of at 50 Carby St. They will be discussing University Station, primarily the issues related to traffic and transportation surrounding the project. You can also visit the Town of Westwood's website for more information, including this page that allows residents to view all the University Station related documents.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Still Questions, But University Station Takes Big Step Forward

Developers present more detailed plans, provide data and analysis. More data and analysis to come, but still questions as University Station Development appears to be moving forward.

Last night there was a joint meeting at the Thurston Middle School cafeteria held by the Planning Board, the Board of Selectmen and the Finance and Warrant Commission to discuss the University Station Development. While Planning Board Chairperson Jack Wiggin opened up the evening by welcoming everyone and giving a brief synopsis of what the Planning Board has been doing since June to bring the project to where it is now, it was really the developer’s show last night, as their team consisting of experts in various fields related to building a large-scale development like this took to the floor and explained different aspects of the project to the medium-sized crowd of people who turned out to listen. The developers pointed out that much of …

Dan

1:21 am on Sunday, November 18, 2012

It sounds like the new tax revenue the project will bring in will be gobbled up by extra expenses in police, fire and schools.   more ›

Friday, September 28, 2012

Patch Facts

5 Things: University Station Conceptual Plan Revised and More

Here are some things to know in Westwood on September 28, 2012.

1. Big news related to University Station last night, as the Planning Board received a revised conceptual plan from the developer. While not completed with all the specifics, it appears it is headed in the right direction, and will be further discussed at upcoming meetings (see article). 2. Governor Deval Patrick chatted with Patch readers yesterday afternoon. Find out how he answered some of your questions. 3. A lot of action for Westwood High in the athletic arena today. At home, girls soccer (3:30 p.m.) and girls volleyball (6:30 p.m.) will both host Norton. Boys soccer and football are at Norton, while field hockey will play at Holliston. Check the Westwood athletic calendar for more details. 4. Take a look at today's Police Log. 5. …

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Patch Facts

5 Things: Kol Nidrei and National Voter Registration Day

Here are some things to know about in Westwood on September 25, 2012.

1. Be sure to participate in our live chat with Governor Deval Patrick on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Do you have a question for the Governor? You can submit it now at the above link and Patch will try to get in in the queue for Governor Patrick to answer. 2. Tonight is Kol Nidrei, the beginning of Yom Kippur. Check our list of times for member services at area synagogues that we ran before Rosh Hashanah. There will also be no school in Westwood on Wednesday because of Yom Kippur. 3. Today is National Voter Registration Day. Get out there and vote! If you're not registered, read this to find out what you need to do. 4. The Planning Board will be meeting at 50 Carby St. on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. They are expected to discuss the University Station …

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Patch Facts

5 Things: Remembering 9/11

Here are some things people in Westwood might want to know on September 11, 2012.

1. Westwood High School was named a National Blue Ribbon High School by the U.S. Department of Education. They were identified as "Exemplary High Performing," which is the highest of the high. Congratulations go out to all the educators and students here in Westwood for making this happen. 2. The Planning Board will meet tonight. They will continue to discuss the proposed plan at University Station. Also, they'll hear about a parking lot expansion at Westwood Lodge and the renovations at Morrison Park. 3. There will Storytime at the Islington Branch of the Library for kids 3 and up today at 9:30 a.m. 4. Remember, if you have an announcement, just click here and you can post it easily and for Free! 5. Today is September 11th. Last year was …

Monday, September 10, 2012

Patch Facts

5 Things Westwood Should Know: September 10

Here's a list of things that you'll be glad you know if you live in Westwood.

1. The Board of Selectmen will meet tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. There will be some talk about the library's opening schedule, as well as an update on University Station and Westwood Day. 2. Be sure to check out our photos and videos from Westwood's football opener on Friday night. While the score didn't go the Wolverine's way, we can be sure Coach Mantie and the team will be hard at work this week as they move forward. 3. The football season wouldn't be complete without the dedication and hard work of the Westwood High School cheerleaders. They help lead the crowd each week on the sidelines, but they're also perfecting their routines for when it's time for their competitions. Make sure you take a look at Coach Heather Brown's blog. …

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today in Westwood: Aug. 28

Planning Board meeting, one week until school and expecting some rain.

1. The Planning Board is meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. Top thing on the agenda is a review of the conceptual plans for University Station. 2. Anyone interested in some physical activity and getting healthy can head over to Dedham at 10 a.m. for the New Balance "In Motion" Walking, Wellness Program. New Balance is partnered with Whole Foods, and once a week you can walk for an hour. 3. The temperature will be hot once again today, but according to The Weather Channel there will be scattered thunder showers throughout the day. 4. Have you liked Westwood Patch on Facebook yet? 5. Lastly, Westwood students go back to school just one week from today. Do you have everything you need? Any last minute preparations before heading back to campus?

Monday, August 27, 2012

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today in Westwood: Aug. 27

Planning Board meeting approaching, school is almost back and the temperature is staying hot.

1. The Planning Board will be meeting tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. They will be joined by the Board of Selectmen and possibly the Finance and Warrant Commission. Discussions regarding the conceptual plans for the University Station proposal is the key item on the agenda. 2. Westwood Public School students will be partaking in their last week of summer vacation before heading back to classes next week. High schoolers participating in fall athletics have already begun practicing, and pretty soon students will be completely back into the swing of things. 3. The temperature outside has been just plain hot. That's not going away, as it will be in the mid 80s today, although The Weather Channel does say it will be partly cloudy. 4. Get your kids …

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