Special Town Meeting will talk taxes for proposed Upton Street ‘village’

A special Town Meeting may be coming on January 31, 2022, primarily for a vote on a yet-to-be-negotiated TIF agreement for the mixed-use village proposed for the former DPW site.

While other articles will likely appear on the warrant — a vote to make the town clerk appointed rather than elected and a tax write-off proposal — the main event would be 27 Upton Street and an agreement for a TIF (tax increment financing) with GSX Ventures for a limited term property tax exemption.

GSX is creating a 136-unit apartment complex with retail space at 27 Upton Street, the site of the former DPW. Ten percent of the property is designated for affordable housing, although some discussion has been made on negotiating for a higher amount.

Prior to the DPW’s move to its new Old Westboro Road facility, the Planning Department considered multiple uses for the 7-acre Upton Road property, ultimately settling on mixed use. The project spans two parcels, the former DPW at 27 Upton Street and 17 Upton Street, a barn structure which will be preserved for use as a brew pub.

The company hopes to acquire an adjacent duplex building for parking and notes that the current post office already has plans to change to retail.

The complex will feature retail space, including a restaurant, on the ground floor. The housing area features a large clubhouse with a demonstration kitchen, a fitness center, conference rooms, group workspaces, and a gathering area that looks out to a central courtyard. A covered parking deck will be available for residents.

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