Board delays Old Colony Y zoning change

Planning Board · Meeting of October 8, 2026

BROCKTON — The Brockton Planning Board continued a zoning amendment for the Old Colony YMCA property to November 4 after the fire department raised parking and access concerns. Deputy Fire Chief Brendan Weeks warned that downtown streets are already congested, saying "people are now parking to the corners" and that a "62,000-pound ladder truck" needs clear access at night. Attorney James Burke said the YMCA is relocating within Brockton while the Planning Office of Urban Affairs finalizes terms to buy the property for residential conversion.

Board member Marty recused herself, citing employment with the YMCA; the continuance passed 4-0. The board separately approved five other items unanimously, including Form A lot splits for 223-261 Thatcher Street and 6 Jonathan Drive, an accessory dwelling unit at 331 Plain Street, a Leach Avenue road extension for applicant Juan Trochez, and a new EOMS headquarters and vehicle maintenance facility at 270 Oak Hill Way presented by Tracy Dewart of MBL Land Development.

In the full story:

• Call to Order and Minutes
• Form A, 223-261 Thatcher Street: Convent Property and Affordable Housing Phasing
• Form A, 6 Jonathan Drive: Industrial Lot Split
• Zoning Amendment: Downtown Brockton Smart Growth Overlay District (Old Colony Y Property)
• Site Plan Review, 331 Plain Street: Accessory Dwelling Unit
• Site Plan Review, Leach Avenue: Road Extension for Two New House Lots
• Site Plan Review, 270 Oak Hill Way: EOMS Headquarters and Vehicle Maintenance Facility
• Adjournment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,720 words

Source: the Planning Board meeting of October 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.