A real estate company has proposed building an apartment complex between a Sturdy medical facility and the CarMax auto dealership on 150 Draper Ave.
The proposal by Lobisser Companies, a building corporation located in Milford, was submitted to the Planning Board on Dec. 7. The proposed building is a four-story apartment with 40 rented units and 66 parking spaces. Of the 40 units, 10 would be considered affordable, while the rest would be sold at the current market rate.
The construction lot would be one and a half acres, located near Route 1 and the Interstate 295 ramp. Currently, the project is undergoing review by the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
Kevin Lobisser, the owner of Lobisser Companies, said the site on Draper Avenue was chosen based on its proximity to the highways so residents can travel to either the Greater Boston or Providence areas with few difficulties.
“By design, the building will be attractive to seniors, empty nesters, young professionals and residents requiring accessible units,” Lobisser said. “The project can be accommodated within the confines of the existing traffic infrastructure.”
According to the development plan, the project would be classified under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B. Incorporated in 1969, Chapter 40B allows developers to override local zoning bylaws to increase the stock of affordable units in municipalities where less than 10 percent of the housing stock is defined as affordable.
Town Manager Michael Borg said he supports the construction of the apartment complex, as it would help increase the town’s affordable housing stock from its current rate of 2.9%.
“It’s coming no matter what,” Borg said. “This encourages municipalities to get to that 10% level.”
Some residents have expressed their concerns about the proposal, citing an increase in traffic in the area, which would result in more vehicles speeding on the highway. Lobissser and Borg said the company conducted extensive traffic studies and found that the current infrastructure could handle increased traffic. Borg added that the town needs more affordable housing to help bolster its economy in the downtown area.
“The town doesn’t have a lot of options for this,” Borg said in an interview on NorthTV. “It will take a couple months or two with meetings.”
