This is not the right place for it’: 152-unit affordable housing project in wooded Auburn area met with opposition
In Auburn, a proposal by a Marlborough-based developer to erect a 152-unit affordable housing project within a scenic wooded locale has sparked contention among area residents. With some calling for a reduction in its scale and others outright opposing the development, the community’s feedback underscores a tension between the need for affordable housing and the preservation of local character and environment.
The proposed site is tucked away at the end of Perry Street, off Auburn Street, and lies in proximity to Interstate 290 South. During a recent presentation held on the 8.55-acre plot, the engineering team from Whitney Street Home Builders outlined the project details to local officials, including the town manager and the heads of the police and fire departments. The plan includes the construction of three buildings, ranging from three to four stories, housing 16 to 24 units per floor. Additionally, 240 parking spaces and a designated lawn area for a dog park are part of the proposal.
Designated as a 40B development, the affordable housing project aims to price units based on rents equating to 30% of the 70% median income, making it a potential solution to the pressing housing crisis that affects the county and the state. With Worcester’s average rent soaring to $1,995 — making it one of the highest in the nation according to Forbes last month — and home prices in Auburn and Worcester County climbing significantly, the urgency for more affordable housing options is undeniable.
Despite the clear need for affordable housing, the project’s size and location have raised concerns among local residents. For Donna and Paul Dacri, who have lived in their home adjacent to the development site for over three decades, the prospect of such a large project in their tranquil neighborhood is unthinkable. Echoing the sentiment, neighbor Dan Largesse suggests the project be scaled down to single-family homes, aligning more closely with the existing community aesthetics and infrastructure.
Other residents, such as Mike Darsh, worry about the environmental impact of razing the wooded area, not to mention the potential for increased traffic through nearby Perry Place. These community voices highlight a common theme: the need for housing is clear, but the development’s size, scope, and location might not align with Auburn’s character and capacity.
Edward J. Kazanovicz, Auburn’s Town Manager, expressed several concerns regarding the project, including water, conservation, roadway, and pedestrian safety issues. Although the town has attempted to address these challenges with the developers, the proposal has already been moved to MassHousing for review, bypassing direct resolution with the town. MassHousing, an independent quasi-public agency focused on affordable housing finance in Massachusetts, is currently reviewing the project, with town officials awaiting the chance to provide further input before a final decision is made.
A representative for Whitney Street Home Builders refrained from commenting on the public reaction to the proposal. MassHousing asserts that the final decision on whether the project proceeds will rest with the town, following their review process.
As Auburn residents await further developments, the situation underscores a broader dialogue about growth, affordable housing, and the preservation of local communities and environments across Massachusetts and beyond.
