Poll: 40B Concerns in Medfield

Sparked by the , the state’s Chapter 40B affordable housing law has been a hot topic in Medfield over the past few of weeks.

on Feb. 1 in Town Hall to express their concerns regarding 40B and ask for help from their elected officials. Garlick deferred to town officials, saying this is a town issue that must be addressed by the town. Garlick did say that she would stand by the town of Medfield, however, and help in whatever capacity she could. Town officials told residents there’s not much that can be done to prevent a 40B from being developed in Medfield once an application has been submitted to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

At Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, in this situation and will face “an uphill battle” in trying to stop the 40B apartment complex on West Street from being built if the ZBA receives an application from the developer. No application has been submitted yet for the proposal on West Street.

“I’m not happy about it, but it is what it is,” Cerel said of the town's lack of options regarding 40B.

Recognizing the need to formally discuss 40B with residents in town, Board of Selectmen chair Osler Peterson and Town Administrator Michael Sullivan recommended the Board of Selectmen schedule a public information meeting on 40B.

That meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28. Details of that meeting are still being discussed as town officials hope to use the Lowell Mason Auditorium in for the event. The time of the meeting has yet to be determined.

So Medfield, we want to know …

Today's question: What about 40B in Medfield and the West Street apartment complex proposal are you most concerned about?