Boxborough Planning Board extends deadlines on two definitive subdivision applications to September 22

BOXBOROUGH -- July 31, 2023, Boxborough Planning Board extends deadlines on two Route 111 subdivision applications to September 22. The board voted unanimously at its July 31 meeting to extend the decision deadline and continue to August 21 both the Adams Place definitive subdivision plan, filed by Boxborough Adams Realty Trust, controlled by the Gutierrez Company, and the 1414 Massachusetts Avenue definitive subdivision, submitted by Niche Engineering on behalf of 1414 Mass Ave Owner LLC. Both applications were described openly by their applicants as primarily aimed at freezing pre-amendment zoning under MGL Chapter 41, Section 81T, rather than advancing immediate construction. Board members Cindy Markowitz and Rebecca Turner each disclosed unresolved completeness-review documents the applicants said they had never received, prompting Town Planner Alec to commit to forwarding all comments the following day. Peer reviewer Sue Carter flagged missing shoulders, guardrails, and a construction-access problem on the Adams Place cul-de-sac, while calling the 1414 application "in good shape" with remaining items suitable for conditions. Town Counsel Adam Costa confirmed that the town's subdivision regulations unambiguously require evidence of a MassDOT access-permit filing before definitive plan approval, though he noted that MassDOT rarely responds substantively to applications for undeveloped lots.