When public comment opens, residents were concerned about traffic, strains on police and fire personnel and response times, pedestrian safety, impacts on town services, impacts on skylines, environmental impact, noise pollution, and more.
Resident and real estate agent Paul Yorkis was the first to speak. "I support the development of the property, I'm very serious about that; but I think there is a responsibility that the developer has to develop that property in a responsible manner which will increase the quality of Main Street as opposed to detract from it," said Yorkis. "In my opinion, the apartment building is not New England style architecture; I'm not sure what it means by 'New England style architecture,' but I know what I've seen and I know that isn't it."
Steve Wettengel said he doesn't see the "New England look" in either the apartment complex or the country store, which he said is cute "but it doesn't fit in our town." He said this looks more urban. He also said he now has to wait to take a right out of his nearby Main Street residence, and he expects this project will create "a huge traffic problem."
Claire Bain said the 267-apartment complex is "over the top for our small town." She said her number one concern is traffic "and I can't see this place helping at all."
Brian Dalesio, who abuts the Elm Street properties, said, "We're supposed to be a farm town; it's going to look like downtown Natick." He is concerned about the elevation of the buildings and how that affects water mitigation, plus snow removal.
