https://southborough.info/issues/21-coslin-drive-costco/ 2026-10-15T23:35:55-04:00 https://southborough.info/topics/hCwuB4U1qOk/3 2026-09-28T12:00:00Z

Costco Wholesale and its development team presented initial site plans and special permit applications for a proposed 167,000-square-foot retail warehouse and 30-position fueling station spanning 26.12 acres on the Southborough and Westborough town line. The presentation covered site grading, emergency vehicle circulation, lighting, landscaping waivers, and an overview of the traffic study. Several residents raised concerns about traffic congestion on Route 9, cut-through traffic on Flagg Road, truck turnaround issues at the Route 85 interchange, and environmental impacts. Outcome: Hearing continued to October 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

https://southborough.info/topics/Nzknp6oL4v8/6 2026-09-17T12:00:00Z

The conservation agent provided updates on regional development and local enforcement. Topics included the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act site visit for the proposed regional Costco, which will require signal timing adjustments at Route 9 and Crystal Pond Road; an active stop-work order for unpermitted tree clearing and grading at 35 Walnut Drive near the Town Forest; and the agent appointment as the town local government representative for expedited clean energy project permitting under new state regulations. Outcome: Information received; no formal votes taken.

https://southborough.info/topics/QrLqRNyQNCQ/7 2026-09-14T12:00:00Z

The town planner reviewed multiple administrative and development updates. Costco submitted major site plan and special permit applications with an 88-page plan set scheduled to open for public hearing on September 28. Staff also reported on the FY28 budget timeline, the state's upcoming ADU regulation revisions, and Attorney General approval of the 2026 Annual Town Meeting bylaws with a noted scrivener's error regarding battery energy storage systems in the Industrial Park district. Outcome: Informational report presented; Marnie Houlihan designated as Planning Board budget liaison.

https://southborough.info/topics/L-oPWBYbzKA/4 2026-09-03T12:00:00Z

The committee discussed how pending commercial developments on Route 9, specifically the Costco project and adjacent Dell property, impact wastewater planning. Ownership of the Dell property has reportedly paused new proposals until Costco secures final site plan approvals and traffic mitigation agreements with MassDOT. Outcome: No action taken; the committee will monitor Planning Board hearings on the Costco site plan.

https://southborough.info/topics/SfMRh_yUWvM/2 2026-07-15T12:00:00Z

Costco Wholesale Corporation sought variances to construct retaining walls up to 31 feet high in front and side yard setbacks and install parking lot light poles at 36 feet 6 inches, exceeding the town bylaw limit of 20 feet. Representatives explained that the steep 40-foot grade drop across the former Dell campus parcel requires substantial retaining walls to create a safe, level parking field for customers and delivery trucks. They also showed simulations illustrating that the taller poles would reduce the total number of light poles from 113 to 49, improving circulation and safety while remaining dark-sky compliant with zero light trespass at property lines. Outcome: Approved unanimously.

https://southborough.info/topics/kpEDyrpGcHk/8 2026-06-01T12:00:00Z

The town planner reported on several town projects. At 361 Turnpike Road (Valvoline), a minor field change was approved to shift underground drainage slightly around ledge rock. The Costco project team has applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals for variances regarding light pole heights and retaining wall setbacks, and town counsel advised that the town bylaw 10 percent traffic increase standard functions as a scoping guideline rather than a strict mathematical requirement. The planner also noted the Select Board's annual goal-setting session scheduled for June 8. Outcome: Informational updates shared with the board.