Planning Board hears preview of life science rezoning at former Liberty Mutual campus

WESTON — January 6, 2021 — Weston Planning Board previews life science rezoning of former Liberty Mutual campus. Greatland Realty Partners principal Kevin Sheehan told the board Wednesday that current business-and-commercial zoning at 13 and 20 Riverside Road blocks "almost" all of the technology and biotechnology tenants now driving Boston-area commercial demand, leaving the 226,000-square-foot campus vacant since Liberty Mutual's departure. The proposal would convert existing 1970s and 1980s buildings to R&D and laboratory use, replace the oldest building with new construction adding about 55,000 square feet, and cap parking at the existing 849 spaces. Sheehan said lab use would lower employee density from 800-1,200 office workers to 700-900, with comparable peak-hour traffic. Greatland has committed $1 million toward Park Road traffic improvements negotiated with the Blake Estates neighborhood. Chair Alicia Primer pressed for housing consideration given proximity to Riverside MBTA station; Sheehan said the team had not seen a workable opportunity. A formal zoning amendment is targeted for spring Town Meeting.