Foxborough Craft Beer Pub Approved By Planning Board

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the development of a craft beer pub/apartment complex at the site of the former firehouse and Keating Funeral home. This was the last regulatory hurdle developer Douglass A. King Builders Inc. needed for its partnership with Easton's Shovel Town Brewing to build a second location with some of its own unique beers and food items exclusive to Foxborough. The plan was approved by the Board of Selectmen last May.

The developer's plan will turn the first floor of the old firehouse into a brew pub and put four one-bedroom apartments on the second floor. Part of the the building will be torn down, the Sun Chronicle reported.

King's plan also calls for the construction of a four-story building with 15 one-bedroom/studio apartments. The former Keating Funeral home will be torn down.The plan also calls for an 11-vehicle parking lot between the two buildings and a public parking lot at 15 to 17 Market St., if the Housing Authority approves the lot.

"The proposed project will draw more people to Foxboro’s downtown for entertainment and to live, which is consistent with the master plan/downtown strategy," town planner Paige Duncan told the Sun Chronicle.

The project did not come without its share of controversy. Residents have come to several public hearings and argued there isn't enough parking and that the project's size doesn't fit the neighborhood and creates safety issues. Last July, residents came to a public hearing before the selectmen asking the board to deny the project.

During citizens' comment at the July 15 selectmen meeting, Alison Bancroft, of Market Street said the proposed project is too close to the street. She said the project's size will create safety issues for bikers because it will make it hard for drivers to see them coming in and out of the brew pub.

"It is completely and wholey ignoring the fact that the residential building is on the corner of two residential streets," Bancroft told the board. "And its building is not compatible in terms of scale, height, or architectural style with the abutting neighborhood."

Bancroft and other residents have brought their worries before the board previously. More than 350 residents signed a petition asking the selectmen to reject King's proposal in favor of Gibson Corner Realty Trust's plan to partner with Kitchen Partner LLC, the same company that opened the Union Straw restaurant at the former American Legion Hall on Mechanic Street. Gibson's plan called for small restaurant inside the old firehouse, along with five one-bedroom apartments.

Planning Board members said other tall buildings, including the Bethanny Church, a 33-foot commercial building at 34 School St. and the 40-foot tall Alban's Masonic Lodge on Rockhill Street are all close by. Board members also said there is a need for housing in Foxborough's downtown.

The Planning Board's decision is pending a 20-day appeal period.