Super Town Meeting approves Devens zoning change

October 24, 2016 : The Lowell Sun, by Anne O'Connor

DEVENS - A zoning change in Devens requested by MassDevelopment passed in all three towns during a Super Town Meeting.

Ayer, Shirley and Harvard held meetings at 7 p.m. On Oct. 24. Each town voted for rezoning that creates a 45-acre lot zoned for innovation and technology business.

The land is all within the Harvard geographical boundary, said Ed Starzec, director of land entitlements at MassDevelopment. He spoke at the Ayer Town Meeting.

At a function earlier in the year, President and CEO of MassDevelopment Marty Jones said the large parcel was needed to attract large businesses looking to expand.

A similar article was presented in spring 2015, Starzec said. It failed in Harvard because they spotted a flaw in the language.

"Tonight's approval in Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley to rezone a portion of Devens land for innovation and technology uses will create opportunities for biotech, light industrial, and R&D companies to locate their larger facilities in Devens, boosting jobs and economic activity in the region," Jones said in a statement . "I would like to thank the voters in each town for their careful consideration and support of this proposal, and Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley officials for their collaboration and cooperation throughout this process."