Should Hunt Road Property be Rezoned for Commercial Use?

Photo 1: Google streetview of historical home. Photo 2: The George A. Byam family at 50 Hunt Road. From left to right: Arnold A, Rebecca C. Emerson, George A., Bernard H., Ray L.S., Mary S., and George A. Byam Jr. George was the last of nine generations of Byams to live at 50 Hunt Road courtesy of the Chelmsford Historical Society.

CHELMSFORD, MA - The owners of a historical house and some old farmland on Hunt Road want to rezone the property for commercial use, to the dismay of their neighbors.

The issue will be discussed in a public meeting Wednesday.

Arguments have been expressed both for and against the property rezoning: some abutters don’t want commercial businesses brought into the neighborhood while other residents think it will bring in valuable revenue.

“Please consider the potential for increased traffic (there are lots of children living in this neighborhood!), increased noise (customers, delivery trucks, trash trucks emptying dumpsters - this is a quiet neighborhood!) perpetual lights from the parking lot, increased litter…and decreased property values for our homes,” Maura Ware, who lives nearby, wrote on social media.

Town Manager Paul Cohen said in a February meeting that rezoning the property for commercial use would help “enhance the commercial activity in town,” which is something he says the community has expressed a desire for.

Another concern is the historical significance of the property: the house located on the land, which has been converted into three apartments, was built in the early 1700s. The building housed nine generations of Byam's, who were descended from a Civil War veteran.

Fred Merriam, of the Chelmsford Historical Commission , said in the February meeting that the home is of historical significance and is a high priority for the commission.

"We don't have any preference as to what happens to the site. Our preference is to preserve the house," Merriam said in the meeting.

Director of Community Development Evan Belansky said if the property is rezoned that doesn't necessarily mean the house will be demolished. Commercial businesses could work with the historical commission to develop the land while keeping the building intact.

If a developer does want to knock down the old house they will have to go through a process of applications and a year-long demolition delay to give the historical commission time to work with them.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the town offices.

See the February 24 meeting below.

Do you think 50 Hunt Road should be rezoned? Let us know in the comments below.