Framingham Planning & Zoning Subcommittee Meeting – March 18, 2026

The Planning and Zoning Subcommittee of the Framingham City Council met at approximately 6:02 PM on March 18, 2026. The meeting covered several agenda items, including an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan for 499 Central Street, a proposed neighborhood advisory group ordinance, a presentation from Urban Edge on the future of Shoppers World, and discussions on the CB (Central Business) district and Waverly Street zoning.

Public Comments

• Mike Cannon expressed that he was present to support action on the 499 Central Street item and indicated he would listen rather than speak at that time.

Discussion Items

• 499 Central Street – ANR Plan: Sarke Sarkeesian, Director of Planning and Development, presented a request to draft an ANR plan to separate a conservation parcel from the residential lot at 499 Central Street. The parcel would be dedicated for recreation and conservation purposes, providing safer access to Simpson Park. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) had already approved design funds, and the City Solicitor recommended the ANR plan for a cleaner process. The subcommittee approved the motion unanimously.
• Neighborhood Advisory Groups Ordinance: Councilor Stefanini had submitted an ordinance to create neighborhood impact advisory groups for large projects. The City Solicitor provided an opinion that the ordinance conflicts with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 5, which protects the quasi-judicial powers of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. The subcommittee noted that similar ordinances in Boston and Cambridge are allowed because those cities are exempt from that state law. Councilor Long moved to take no action on the ordinance, citing the legal conflict. The motion passed unanimously.
• Shoppers World Redevelopment: Attorney Kathy Garrahan and Sam McCassum of Urban Edge presented updates on long-term planning for the Shoppers World campus. Topics included:
  • Tenant Mix: Currently about 3% small stores; the goal is to increase to approximately 20% small retail and food/beverage to improve vibrancy and walkability.
  • Parking Reduction: Proposed to reduce the parking requirement from 1 space per 200 square feet to 1 per 250 square feet for regional shopping centers, consistent with modern standards (e.g., Natick Mall uses 1 per 250). For mixed-use projects, they proposed 1 space per 300 square feet of non-residential and 1.25 spaces per residential unit, with 1 space per hotel room. Members expressed general support for the numbers but requested more data from comparable developments (e.g., Woburn, Ohio).
  • Height and Density: Discussion of potential building heights—up to 10 stories in the area near the AMC theater, which is well-buffered by wetlands. Councilors noted that taller buildings reduce sprawl and that similar heights exist on Speen Street. No formal decision was made; the item will continue at a future meeting, including signage requirements.
• CB District Reduction: Councilor Long raised the possibility of revisiting a reduction of the CB (Central Business) district after a previous negative vote. Discussion touched on the two-year waiting period on a negative vote, but members noted that if the Planning Board gave a positive recommendation before the council rejection, the waiting period might not apply. They also noted the MBTA Communities requirement to notify EOHLC of any changes. No action was taken.
• Waverly Street Zoning: Councilors discussed zoning amendments for the Waverly Street corridor, which is currently zoned manufacturing but seeing proposals for residential development (e.g., a three-story condo project). The goal is to create mixed-use zoning similar to the Natick line, allowing two-to-three-story buildings with retail and adequate parking to avoid neighborhood parking problems. Members agreed to move forward with drafting zoning amendments and will involve the full council.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on 499 Central Street ANR Plan: Motion to approve the ANR plan passed unanimously. (All councilors present: Audhiani, Lambert, Long, Bruno—voted yes)
• Vote on Neighborhood Advisory Group Ordinance: Motion to take no action (dispose of) the ordinance passed unanimously.
• Shoppers World: No formal vote; discussion to continue at a future meeting on signage and parking details.
• CB District & Waverly Street: No votes; directed staff to prepare zoning amendments for future subcommittee and full council consideration.
• The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent shortly after 7:00 PM.