The Proposal

MassDevelopment is proposing to rezone 32.7 acres of residential land in the vicinity of Beech and Plum Streets for Innovation and Technology Business (ITB) uses. This rezoning would create a large, marketable development site suitable for office, industrial, and research and development uses.

Project Significance

The proposed change, in conjunction with adjacent land already zoned ITB, would create a 40+ acre commercial development site—by far the largest commercial development site currently available at Devens. This would meet the needs of modern manufacturing and research and development users, many of whom are looking specifically for large, “campus-like” sites.

Project History

The Towns of Ayer and Shirley supported a similar rezoning proposal at a June 2015 Super Town Meeting. The Town of Harvard, citing valid concerns that the proposed language would have allowed for an undesirable mix of uses, voted the question down. In response to these concerns, the zoning language has been revised to clarify that the rezoned land will be zoned for Innovation and Technology Business uses only. Additionally, the proposed changes have been more accurately delineated on the zoning map, allowing for the use of more precise acreages in the text of the zoning change.

Public Approval Process

We look forward to getting your input on the revised language! Your comments and feedback will help shape the rezoning language and mapping before the October 24th Super Town Meeting.

Two formal public hearings have been scheduled so far. The first will be held at 6:30 p.m. on September 20 at Harvard Town Hall (7 Fairbank Street). A second hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on September 26 at Shirley Town Hall (7 Keady Way). Other informational sessions have been scheduled as well. For a complete list, please see our Project Timeline.

How to Reach Us

In addition to sharing your thoughts at the hearings, you can always leave questions and comments here in the Comments Section. We will respond as quickly as possible! If you prefer direct communication, feel free to contact Ed Starzec at estarzec@massdevelopment.com or (617) 330-2000.