Framingham Planning Board Meeting - May 7, 2026

The Framingham Planning Board held a public hearing on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Blummer Community Room and remotely. The primary case was a Dover Amendment application for the Plugged-In Band Program at 541 Concord Street, seeking minor site plan approval for a change of use to educational. The Board also approved minutes, received a presentation on the Waverly Street Overlay District, adopted a revised fee schedule, and previewed future agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christine Tiber (24 Dyer Street): Expressed support for the Plugged-In Band Program but raised serious concerns about traffic and safety on Dyer and Harrison streets, citing existing barriers, blind corners, and cut-through traffic. She urged the Board to consider the traffic impact and suggested removal of the barriers.
• Linda McQuain Garrin (108 Lawrence Street): Supported the program's mission but questioned the location, noting that vacant buildings on Route 9 would offer easier access. She expressed concern about noise and traffic in the residential area and suggested the Marion High School site as an alternative.

Discussion Items

• PBO 226 - 541 Concord Street (Plugged-In Band Program):

  • The applicant (Tom Pugh and Santa Bruz College, co-founders) described the nonprofit music education program, which serves 70% students with disabilities. The proposal involves interior renovations only, with four rehearsal rooms (max 5 students each) and three individual lesson rooms. Peak occupancy is about 24 students plus staff, though building code allows up to 50. Operating hours are 7 days a week: weekdays 3-9 PM, Saturday 11-5/6 PM, Sunday 11-7/8 PM. Soundproofing includes double walls and insulation. Parking is existing (16 spaces, re-striped), with overflow offered by the adjacent dentist. The applicant emphasized a desire to be good neighbors.
  • Board members raised questions about parking, traffic flow, the role of planters blocking the Concord Street curb cut, and the need for a one-way circulation pattern. Chair Ted Cosgrove proposed a site visit to assess the configuration and neighborhood impacts. Member Mitch Mataran argued that traffic and public safety are not within the board's purview under a Dover Amendment application, but other members (including Steve Duby and Tom Bowie) maintained that access points and circulation are directly relevant. The Board decided to continue the hearing to May 21, 2026, to allow a site visit and further discussion.
  • A motion to continue to May 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM passed unanimously.

• Waverly Street Overlay District Concept:

  • Planning Director Saki presented work done during the MBTA zoning process, aiming to create a form-based overlay district for the Waverly Street corridor. The goal is to encourage smaller-scale, ownership-oriented housing (e.g., three-story buildings) instead of large six-story apartments. Examples included test fits and the approved TJ's Market project at 818 Waverly Street. The Board discussed the need to communicate better with the community and to shape development proactively.

• Planning Board Fee Schedule:

  • The Board reviewed and unanimously adopted a revised fee schedule as recommended by the mayor's office, citing increased advertising costs.

Key Outcomes

• Case PBO 226 (541 Concord Street): Continued to May 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM for a site visit and further deliberation on traffic circulation, curb cut configuration, and planters. The Board will also consider an evaluation after six months of operation.
• Fee Schedule: Approved unanimously.
• Future Agenda: The May 21 meeting will also include discussion of proposed zoning changes for 35 Miller Street (large house site plan review) and a continuation of the 541 Concord Street hearing.