FRAMINGHAM - The group Future of Nobscot will be holding a public event on Saturday, October 21 on the potential rezoning of the village.

The Nobscot rezoning saga has been a contentious one for months.

Framingham officials have outlined the new B-4 zoning category as an opportunity to create mixed-use and walkable elements in the city via redevelopment in the nearly 30 acre area. Ideas feature new residential, retail, recreational, and cultural spaces.

However, many residents are not sold on the rezoning plan. Future of Nobscot, comprised of some members of the community, was formed in attempt to stop the proposal. The group cites concerns over traffic, noise pollution, environmental impacts, and public infrastructure as reasons behind their opposition to rezoning the Nobscot area.

During the City Council meeting on September 26, Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said he has been meeting with developers prior to the next steps.

“We’re going to come up with a recommendation on how the city should proceed with that,” Sisitsky explained, “maybe give them some feedback, and also look into this whole issue of what amount of vote is required for rezoning—whether it’s going to require a two-thirds vote, whether it’s going to require a majority vote.”

The Mayor also suggested reaching out to agencies at the state level for assistance down the line.

District 1 City Councilor Christine Long echoed concerns regarding the Nobscot rezoning during that meeting.

“The parcels that are owned by commercial entities and the residential in there: they’re not going to be happy with thinking that 27 acres right next door is going to be rezoned—maybe commercially—that will hurt them” Long said.

Sisitsky maintained that shooting down a rezoning plan right away without deliberation would be “unfortunate.”

The community meeting will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Christa McAuliffe Branch Library along Water Street. It will also be held virtually via Zoom. For more information, including how to register to attend, click here.