City Council Praises Orange Leaf Proposal as 'Smart Growth' for Woburn

Based on the reaction of the Woburn City Council during Monday night’s meeting, the combined business and residential proposal for 307 Main Street has the makings of a sweet plan.

Aldermen praised the combined proposal by OL Fresh, LLC, and Ryeknot Properties that would bring an Orange Leaf frozen yogurt shop to a former convenience store location. In addition, the plans call for the renovation of seven two-bedroom apartments.

“This is smart growth, and it’s exactly what we’re looking for,” said Alderman-at-Large Richard Haggerty.

Orange Leaf, a national chain of self-serve frozen yogurt shops, proposes a 58-seat business that would rotate 80 flavors throughout the year.

The shop would be open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m.-10 p.m. along with Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m.-11 p.m.

Apartments already exist at the location, but they would be renovated and an addition would be constructed on High Street. There would be two parking spaces for each apartment, totaling 14 spaces that would be located underneath the building.

Alderman Raymond Drapeau praised the efforts of the current owner of the building for their work in finding a buyer that will develop the downtown area in a positive manner.

“They didn’t just jump at any offer that was given,” said Drapeau. “They looked for the right project to keep the neighborhood in tact and be respectful to the neighborhood. I think this will be a great addition to the downtown area and this is going to be a great project for it.”

City Council continued the discussion to its December 17 meeting, and the special permits committee will take up the issue as well. But based on the unanimous support from aldermen who spoke at Monday’s meeting, there is strong optimism for the project’s fate.

“I think more projects like this are needed in Woburn,” said Ward 6 Alderman Michael Raymond.