MARLBOROUGH – Amended plans for the former Rowe Funeral Home on Main Street are making their way through municipal boards.
On May 16, the City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee heard more details about the revised application for a site plan review from Procopio Companies, on behalf of JW Capital Partners LLC and Marlborough TOTG.
“We’re really excited to bring the project forward,” said David Roache, vice president of development for Procopio Companies. “We do think it’s a better project.”
The original plans called for the demolition of the funeral home and the construction of a mixed-use development containing 99 units and 28 parking spaces. The project was approved with amendments last year, leading to an appeal by the developers.
Roache said the architecture in the original plan was “rather bland,” which gave Procopio the opportunity to use “higher-quality materials” for its revamp of the project.
There will be a total of 132 bedrooms in 92 units, all apartments. As of now, the units will rent at market rate. Roache said the charging stations for electric vehicles will be on the lowest level.
The applicants plan improvements to Exchange and High streets, which abut the property. These will include easements, new sidewalks, and a repaved High Street.
In response to concerns about parking, the applicants plan to have “at least” 80 spaces on site. In addition, there will be no on-site snow storage; all snow will be removed from the site. Members of the Urban Affairs Committee praised the latest plans.
“This is a dramatic change,” said Councilor David Doucette. “It’s an improvement to what’s there now.”
“You guys have stepped up,” said Councilor Sean Navin, who had voted against the original plans. “This is a dramatically-improved plan.”
Councilor Mark Oram asked about where contractors will park once the project is underway. “There should be a plan in place,” he said, citing the tight parking situation in that part of the city.
The committee voted to approve the amended site plan 4-0. It will be sent to the solicitor before it goes before the full City Council.
