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Route 9 and I-495 gateway corridor study

A joint $150,000 planning and infrastructure study with Westborough evaluating economic development, zoning, and infrastructure along the Route 9 and I-495 corridor.

3 meetings from Thu, May 21 to Thu, Sep 3 · Wastewater Study Committee, Planning Board

Where it stands as of Thu, Sep 3

Southborough is awaiting a decision on a joint $150,000 state Community One Stop for Growth grant application submitted with Westborough to study zoning, economic development, and wastewater along the Route 9 and I-495 corridor. The project has unanimous backing from town boards, with Southborough slated to provide a $7,500 local cash match if funds are awarded. The Planning Board conditioned its support on ensuring adjacent residential neighborhoods are safeguarded while focusing on commercial development opportunities. The Wastewater Study Committee is pausing further consultant work and meetings until the state announces grant awards.

  • For Wastewater Study Committee Endorsed the joint grant application and decided on Sep 3, 2026, to hold off on retaining engineering consultants until award decisions are announced.
  • For Planning Board Voted 4-0 on May 21, 2026, to endorse an amended letter of support after adding neighborhood buffer protections and emphasizing commercial development.
  • For Select Board Voted 5-0 on May 19, 2026, to approve an amended letter supporting the regional grant application.

Next: State Community One Stop for Growth grant award announcement in October 2026

Votes

DateBoardMotionResultVideo
Planning Board To endorse the amended Planning Board letter of support for the One Stop grant application as discussed. Route 9 and I-495 gateway corridor study Passed4-0 28:42
Select Board Approve the letter of support for the Regional One-Stop grant application as amended Route 9 and I-495 gateway corridor study Passed5-0 35:07

Every time it came up newest first

  1. · Wastewater Study Committee

    Inter-municipal sewer study and One Stop grant with Westborough

    Members reviewed the status of a joint application submitted under the state Community One Stop for Growth grant program in partnership with Westborough. The grant would fund a formal engineering and planning study of regional wastewater solutions along the Route 9 corridor.

    • The joint application requests a $150,000 state planning grant, with total project costs listed at $165,000.
    • The required local cash match is $15,000, split evenly at $7,500 each between Southborough and Westborough.
    • The application includes letters of support from the Select Board and Planning Board.
    • Grant award decisions from the state are expected in October 2026.

    Outcome: The committee decided to wait for grant award announcements in October before retaining engineering consultants or holding further full meetings.

    Watch at 41:15 · See the whole meeting

  2. · Wastewater Study Committee

    Joint Route 9 corridor study with Westborough and One Stop grant

    Members discussed an initiative led by the Westborough planning director to conduct a joint Route 9 and Interstate 495 gateway corridor study covering economic development, zoning, and infrastructure. Westborough is pursuing a state One Stop grant and has secured private developer interest to help fund the study, estimated at $150,000. The committee also debated attempting to encumber roughly $10,000 remaining in the town Economic Development Committee consulting budget before June 30 to begin wastewater financial modeling.

    • The corridor study would examine Route 9 from Route 85 in Southborough past Lyman Street in Westborough.
    • The study cost is estimated at $150,000, with an expected split between state grant funds, private developers, and municipal contributions.
    • The state One Stop grant application deadline is June 3.
    • A member suggested seeking approximately $10,000 in unused FY26 Economic Development Committee consulting funds to start financial modeling before the fiscal year ends.
    • The chair plans to coordinate with the Select Board chair ahead of their June 2 meeting.

    Outcome: The committee agreed by consensus to have the chair draft a letter of support for the joint One Stop grant application and pursue available FY26 consulting funds.

    Watch at 34:15 · See the whole meeting

  3. · Planning Board

    495/Route 9 Gateway Initiative grant application support letter

    Board members reviewed a draft letter supporting an application to the state One Stop for Growth grant program for the joint 495/Route 9 Gateway Initiative with Westborough. The board discussed ensuring Southborough's distinct master plan goals and neighborhood buffers are reflected in the study scope, rather than duplicating Westborough's priorities. Members agreed to trim repetitive references to housing to maintain focus on commercial tax base opportunities before voting to endorse the amended letter.

    • The overall planning study is estimated to cost approximately $150,000, with Southborough's scope estimated at $75,000.
    • The study scope covers five tasks: kick-off and site visit, existing conditions, scenario building, strategies and recommendations, and a draft and final report.
    • The application is being submitted to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) ahead of a June 3 deadline.
    • The board agreed that endorsing the grant application does not commit town funds or bind the town to future rezoning or development decisions.
    • Edits to the letter added language safeguarding adjacent residential neighborhoods against noise, traffic, and environmental impacts.

    Outcome: Approved 4-0 to endorse the amended letter of support.

    Watch from the start · See the whole meeting