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zoning-bylaw

Downtown District’s mixed-use zoning: Code confusion, interpretation issues, and viability criticism

A project at 2 E Main St puts a spotlight on issues around the mixed-use zoning, including an apparent mistake in the Town Code.

by Beth Melo on

Special Town Meeting voted to create a bylaw for mixed residential and commercial use buildings zoning downtown. Years later, the first project publicly proposed to make use of the new zoning ran into obstacles that highlight some issues. (The Building Commissioner has apparently interpreted the language differently than it was pitched to voters. And I discovered that the bylaw printed in the online Town Code isn’t the version that voters passed.) Read the full article → from Downtown District’s mixed-use zoning: Code confusion, interpretation issues, and viability criticism

MBTA Zoning Overlay up for vote on Sept 30 (Updated)

The final details on what the Planning Board is planning to ask voters to support at the Special Town Meeting. And public debate at the most recent public hearing.

by Beth Melo on

On Monday, September 30th, voters will decide at a Special Town Meeting whether to support the Planning Board’s proposal for complying with the state’s MBTA Communities zoning laws. Read the full article → from MBTA Zoning Overlay up for vote on Sept 30 (Updated)

Planning Board to open MBTA Zoning hearings on new maps – July 22nd

Check out the new maps for potential high density housing zoning near the train station.

by Beth Melo on

MBTA Communities Zoning may be back on track to be voted on at a Town Meeting this year, with two new areas chosen for the section of town near the Southborough train station Read the full article → from Planning Board to open MBTA Zoning hearings on new maps – July 22nd

MBTA Zoning Mapping Session tonight

by Beth Melo on

Tonight is the Planning Board’s re-mapping session for overlay zoning within a 1/2 mile of the commuter rail station.

The board has encouraged residents within the semi-circle to attend the session. The intent is to identify where allowing new by-right high density zoning would have the least negative impact. Read the full article → from MBTA Zoning Mapping Session tonight

Planning taking new stab at MBTA zoning while asking for some relief

Residents are invited to a new mapping session on June 3rd to identify potential zoning overlays within a ½ mile of the Train Station.

by Beth Melo on

At the same time as it seeks relief from the state, the Planning Board is heading back to the drawing board for mapping an MBTA zoning overlay area within a ½ mile of the train station. They will be promoting a new mapping session and looking for impacted residents’ input. Read the full article → from Planning taking new stab at MBTA zoning while asking for some relief

Planning Board hitting pause on MBTA Zoning due to non-compliant map

Last night, the board discussed the need to reevaluate the area near the train station and possibly lobby the state for leeway or an extension.

by Beth Melo on

Last night, the Planning Board voted not to bring the MBTA Communities zoning Article to Annual Town Meeting this month. The board will instead pursue changes for a Special Town Meeting in the fall. Read the full article → from Planning Board hitting pause on MBTA Zoning due to non-compliant map

Complete the 2024 Town survey by March 8th

Info collected from residents will help inform officials and voters for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting

by Beth Melo on

The Town is requesting that residents participate in the annual survey.* Topics cover quality of life, departments and resources, and priorities for what you would like to see officials focus on.

This year, the survey also includes feedback on two issues that Town officials anticipate being topics at the Annual Town Meeting on March 23rd — MBTA Communities Zoning** and Dispatch staffing models. To help them prepare, and to inform other budget discussions, residents are asked to take part in time for them to compile results. Read the full article → from Complete the 2024 Town survey by March 8th

Planning Board hearings on zoning changes – Monday (Updated)

Look for changes to MBTA zoning draft bylaw language and one of the three maps for the initiative headed to Annual Town Meeting a month from today. Plus, hearings are already open on two smaller zoning changes on the Warrant.

by Beth Melo on

On Monday night, the Planning Board will open its hearing on the proposed zoning bylaw for “MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District” (MCMOD). The hope is to gain public support, or make any revisions necessary to do that, prior to Annual Town Meeting on March 23rd. Read the full article → from Planning Board hearings on zoning changes – Monday (Updated)

Planning Board prioritizing sections of Town to overlay MBTA Communities zoning

The board is working on evaluating and ranking multiple areas of town for proposed allowance of higher density housing

by Beth Melo on

This week, the Planning Board discussed over 20 areas of town that residents had highlighted in mapping sessions might be good areas to overlay at least 50 acres of MBTA Communities zoning. They are working to determine which parcels to recommend be included in the overlay map. If passed by voters, the zoning would allow developers to build up to 15 housing units per acre in the mapped areas. Read the full article → from Planning Board prioritizing sections of Town to overlay MBTA Communities zoning

Town taking early steps on denser housing zoning

The Planning Board will seek public feedback on how best to comply with the state's "MBTA Communities" requirements for 50 acres of by-right zoning for denser housing.

by Beth Melo on

The Planning Board is leading the Town’s effort to comply with state requirements to allow denser housing in communities with MBTA public transit. Read the full article → from Town taking early steps on denser housing zoning

Special Town Meeting: New zoning created for a Downtown District (Updated)

by Beth Melo on

Last night, 3% of Southborough voters determined the fate of zoning for a district encompassing downtown Main Street. The motion that passed 182 to 65 was a bylaw revised by voters on Town Meeting floor. Read the full article → from Special Town Meeting: New zoning created for a Downtown District (Updated)

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