Planning Board Approves Nordblom’s 188-Unit Housing Development on

The project has been before the Planning Board following approval by Town Meeting in the fall of 2025. The development is the first project approved in Burlington under the town's MBTA Communities zoning framework.

During its review, the Planning Board examined several issues, with traffic among its biggest concerns because of the busy and complicated area surrounding Middlesex Turnpike, Third Avenue and Great Meadow Road. Earlier this year, the board ordered an independent traffic peer review and continued working with Nordblom on traffic mitigation around the site, including an extension of the Middlesex Turnpike traffic island, improved signage at Great Meadow Road and updates to the traffic analysis as the project's parking plan was revised.

Other modifications addressed during the review process included moving the building an additional 20 feet back from Great Meadow Road, along with changes to landscaping and pedestrian connections.

Before the September 3 vote, Planning Board Chair Brenda Rappaport said the applicant had addressed the issues raised during the board's review.

"I think that you guys have checked all the boxes and I appreciate your patience going through this process," Rappaport said.

They also estimated that annual real estate taxes generated by the property could increase from about $150,000 to approximately $500,000.

Nordblom said it is committed to beginning the project in the spring, with the development expected to come online in 2029.

The approval also led to a broader discussion about the future of Northwest Park. Nordblom representatives said they hope to spend the next year working with town staff and the Planning Board to consider what the area could look like over the next 20 years.