NOVO development files comprehensive permit application

Developers of the 10-acre NOVO apartment complex slated for West Acton inched one step closer to starting construction as MassHousing, the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, deemed the site suitable for the project. 

The suitability determination came August 18, and three days later, the developer, NOVO Riverside Commons, submitted an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a Comprehensive Permit for the 200 units proposed for 292-294 Baker Avenue. 

“It’s an important step,” said Keith Bergman, chairman of the Acton Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. 

Of the 200 units at NOVO, 51 will be “affordable,” or slated for low- to moderate-income tenants. 

NOVO Riverside is seeking certain waivers to local zoning requirements, including a sewer improvement fee for the 51 affordable units. The waiver “would need to come from public funds,” Bergman said. 

He said the Trust is “willing” to fund the sewer fee for the 51 apartments in a so-called host community agreement with the Select Board.