Zoning Amendment Adjusted to Accommodate Route 28 Safety Improvements
Key Points
- Zoning amendment allows special permits for front yard setbacks in the VCOD
- Protects property owners from non-conformity caused by MassDOT land takings
- Supports planned Route 28 safety and sidewalk improvements
Town Meeting voters approved Article 29, a zoning amendment to the Village Centers Overlay District (VCOD) aimed at protecting property owners during upcoming state roadwork. The amendment allows for special permits regarding front yard setbacks.
Town Planner Kathy Williams explained that the change is a response to MassDOT's planned safety improvements along Route 28. Those improvements involve land takings that would otherwise leave existing buildings in violation of local setback requirements. This accommodates Mass DOT's Route 28 safety improvements, which involve land takings that would otherwise make existing buildings non-conforming,
Williams noted. The article passed via a required two-thirds standing vote.
Motion: To amend the VCOD bylaw regarding setbacks.
Vote: Passed Standing Vote