Politics & Government

To Encourage Economic Growth, Framingham To Adopt Expedited Permitting

Framingham Planning Board and Board of Selectmen will jointly advance a plan to adopt the state's expedited permitting regulations for three areas of town where the town wants to encourage economic development.

Framingham Planning Board and Board of Selectmen will jointly advance a plan to adopt the state's expedited permitting regulations for three areas of town where the town wants to encourage economic development.  

The state's Chapter 43D regulation requires that communities make permitting decisions in designated areas within 180 days and make other changes, including establishing a single point of contact for permitting information. In Framingham, that person would be Planning Board Director John W. Grande.  

In exchange, Framingham would get a competitive boost for some state grant programs as well as assistance in marketing properties for development. Officials said the adoption will also send an important message to businesses that the town is eager for more economic development. 

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"I think this is a great thing we are doing and think it will be very important for the future growth and development of the town " said Selectman Chair Charles Sisitsky. 

Grande said the decision was made to proceed with applying 43D to three areas of town - 9-90 Crossing, Framingham Technology Park and the TJX headquarters parcel near Speen St. 

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The town must secure the approval of property owners in the districts being considered and additional areas - including those for residential development - can be added to the roster of eligible parcels in the future.   

Both Selectmen and the Planning Board voted unanimously to pursue adoption of the law, while crediting Town Manager Robert Halpin with working to bring the two boards together to work on the issue.


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