Zoning Amendment Passed to Protect Developers from Road Expansion Impacts
Key Points
- Zoning change impacts the Village Centers Overlay District (VCOD)
- Provides relief for buildings impacted by MassDOT road takings along Route 28
- Allows a special permit process instead of a variance for setbacks
- Passed unanimously via voice vote
Town Meeting approved Article 29, a zoning amendment focused on the Village Centers Overlay District (VCOD) along Route 28. Town Planner K. Williams explained that ongoing MassDOT road improvement projects, which include new sidewalks and bike paths, often involve land takings
that can push existing or proposed building designs out of compliance with front-yard setback requirements.
The amendment allows developers to seek relief for these front-yard setbacks through a special permit from the Planning Board, rather than the more difficult process of obtaining a variance. The goal is to encourage continued redevelopment along the Route 28 corridor while providing flexibility for site designs impacted by state infrastructure projects.
Motion: To approve the VCOD zoning amendment. Made by J. Crowley.
Vote: Passed via voice vote.