The board of appeals granted approval for the development but the state environmental review process must be completed. Dale says the company hopes to be in the ground by spring 2001. Included in the negotiations were lower sewer and water fees for the development and an agreement that 25% of the apartments would be affordable housing.

"There is a backlash in local communities against high-density housing," notes Ross J. Moore, vice president and national director of research for Colliers International. "There is a scarcity of land and people are careful about what gets built and where. Smaller projects accomplish that."

Virginia-based AvalonBay, which has been acquiring and building multifamily products in the Bay State since 1992, currently has similar residential developments either completed or proposed in Weymouth, Peabody, Marlborough and Hull. Amenities in Westborough will include a fully developed clubhouse, pool, spa, indoor basketball court, fitness center and a resident lounge. Prices will be approximately $1.40 per sf per month. Nearly 14 acres will be held in a conservation easement.