Framingham Planning Board Meeting - April 9, 2026: Naya Sign Approval and Housing Data Discussion
Framingham Planning Board Meeting - April 9, 2026
The Framingham Planning Board met remotely on April 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All five members were present: Chair Ted Cosgrove, Elsiana Zaka, Stephen Duby, Matt Cunio, Tom Bowie, and Mitch Mataran. The board approved minutes from a previous meeting and then considered a single agenda item: a sign application for Naya, a new Middle Eastern restaurant at Shoppers World. The meeting also included staff updates on a PRD project and a discussion about sharing housing data with the public.
Consent Calendar
- The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting by unanimous roll call vote (6-0).
Discussion Items
- Naya Sign Application: Applicant Carolyn Parker, representing the sign installer, presented a proposal for a halo-lit "Naya" sign over the entrance. The applicant had initially sought to add "Middle Eastern Goodness" on an existing awning, but the sign officer disallowed that. Board members discussed allowing the additional text as part of a single sign if it remains within the dimensional limits of Shoppers World's sign guidelines (maximum 320 square feet, but with smaller tenant limits). The board also approved painting of the brick storefront surround, noting precedent set by other tenants. Board member Matt Cunio raised safety concerns about outdoor tables and chairs visible in the application, recommending bollards and fire/building department approval. The board agreed that if the sign design with "Middle Eastern Goodness" is compliant, it can be approved administratively; if not, the applicant must return.
- Staff Update: Sarkey provided an update on a city council hearing for the Vios project (PRD redevelopment) that was continued to May 19, 2026. Issues include density (proposed 20 units vs. original 17), roadway improvements, and whether a two-thirds vote is required. The mayor requested staff help finalize a memorandum of agreement and zoning changes. An abutter expressed concern about setting a precedent for other PRDs. Board members noted each PRD is situational.
- Upcoming Projects: Sarkey mentioned a Waverly Street overlay district initiative and a 40-unit condominium project going before the Zoning Board of Appeals for a use variance.
- Housing Data Presentation: Matt Cunio requested wider distribution of a recent housing data presentation by Framingham State professors, calling it the best presentation in six years. He suggested posting on the city website and social media to inform citizens and reduce speculation. Chair Ted Cosgrove agreed and said he would present it to the city council and incorporate data into a housing production plan.
Key Outcomes
- The board voted unanimously to approve the Naya sign application as discussed, allowing the addition of "Middle Eastern Goodness" text if compliant with size limits, and approved the brick painting. If the revised sign meets guidelines, it may be approved administratively without returning to the board.
- The board noted the continued city council hearing on the Vios PRD project to May 19, 2026.
- Chair Ted Cosgrove committed to presenting the housing data to the city council and working on a housing production plan.
- The board adjourned at approximately the end of the meeting, with the next regular meeting scheduled for May 7, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
The Framingham Planning Board is comprised of five members. The board reviews a wide range of applications for commercial and residential projects. The mission of the planning board is to ensure the projects increase quality of life, contribute to economic development, and are consistent with Framingham's character. The Framingham Planning Board is also responsible for enforcing and revising the zoning bylaws and developing and implementing the city's master plan. The following planning board meeting coverage is brought to you by the government channel, a service of the city of Framingham. I am Ted Cosgrove of the Chair of the Framingham Planning Board. This is an open meeting of the planning board. But it's not an open meeting, is it? This is a closed, would you say it's a closed meeting? Closed meeting on Zoom, uh being conducted remotely. The hour is seven o'clock or later. Uh we are uh beginning the matters designated on the agenda, which is very brief. Please note uh because it's being recorded, um anything that you guys might be saying uh could be recorded and uh so use your mute button appropriately. Um I'm just I you know what this doesn't need to be so formal. I'm gonna we're gonna just follow the agenda. Uh if you have if you want to speak, either use the raise hand feature or just butt in. It's uh pretty yes. Can I ask a silly question? Absolutely. Well, technically it's I think we're still at open meeting. This was advertised, and people can join us. Uh we're just not being broadcast live. Thank you for that. That's what it is. We're just not on the government channel. And there just happens to apparently be no one from the public on. Am I right, Molly? If I'm seeing the guests, yeah, it's just the applicant for the sign case. Okay, all right, good. Thank you for that clarification, Tom. Um so then maybe I will keep with my ground rules. Um, we're gonna do roll call votes. Um I'll ask each of you to um say uh yes that you're present when I when I do the um when I do the roll call here just to start the meeting off, and then we'll get into the um to the minutes to approve those. So let me just make sure that I I'm seeing everyone, Elsiana Zaka. Yes, present. Stephen Duby, yes, Matt Cunio, yes, Tom Bowie, I'm here, Mitch Mataran, and myself. Okay, we're all present. Uh and we'll do uh we'll conduct votes by roll call too. If there is anyone in the public that would like to speak, use the raise hand features or expecting this to be such a quiet meeting. Don't be afraid to just come off mute and and be bold if you need to speak. Um did everyone let's move into the agenda. Did everyone have a chance to review the minutes? Yes. Yes. No corrections. If someone could make a motion then to approve the minutes as presented. So moved. Okay. All those in favor say I. Let me just do roll call.
openpublica.com