What value does a Center Town District bring to the community?

The Center Town District is an effort to create a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use community core. It aims to create a central location for compact, residential-commercial development to take place in the town with a range of housing types and pricing options.

Diverse, attainable housing creates the possibility for senior residents to downsize their homes and still age-in-place, right here in town, or for young people to find a manageable housing option for when they return home from college or want to move out on their own.

Compact, mixed-use development is an important tool for communities that wish to harness economic and community development opportunities. It allows the Town to grow its tax base while also maintaining the residential character of existing neighborhoods and preserving valuable green and open spaces.

What is the process for creating/approving a Center Town District?

Over the next several months, members of the Steering Committee will work with town officials and members of the community to define where the Center Town District should be. Through a series of meetings, charettes, and other community engagements, the Steering Committee will create the boundaries.

Once the boundaries have been created, a draft bylaw will be presented to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will then use the recommendations from the Steering Committee to create their own proposed bylaw and boundary for the Center Town District. There will be a public meeting where members of the community will have an opportunity to review the proposed bylaw and boundary and ask questions.

Once approved by the Planning Board, they will take the proposed bylaw and boundary map to the Town Council for review. The Town Council will then create the final version of the bylaw and boundary map, based on the recommendation of the Steering Committee and Planning Board. The Town Council will hold a public meeting where members of the community will have the opportunity to further review and discuss the plan before the Town Council takes a final vote.

Where are the boundaries of the Center Town District?

The boundaries have not been set. The Center Town District just voted at their December 12 meeting on recommended boundaries that they will forward to the Planning Board and Town Council for review and approval. The map of the District will be accompanied by a draft bylaws (to be discussed at next meeting in 2025) for the types of land uses, housing and design preferences, and amenities that could be included in the District.

The goal of these zoning changes is to set the stage for future, private development that aligns with the community’s vision of a safe and inviting public space that can be utilized by residents for commercial, residential and recreational activities that facilitate community connectedness. 

Has a decision been made?

No. No decision has been made. We are presently in a community engagement process that will collect opinions and preferences from residents. These preferences will be translated into a map and bylaw that the Steering Committee will recommend to the Planning Board and Town Council.

How much is the Town spending on this process?

The Town was awarded $45,000 through the FY24 Community One Stop for Growth Community Planning Grant to explore planning for a Center Town District. This grant covers the full expense of the professional technical assistance that is involved in the planning process (data collection and analysis, community meetings, technical reviews, and crafting draft bylaw language).

How can I be involved in the process?

Please join us at one of our upcoming community events and meetings! For volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Steering Committee Chair, Carolyn Ferros, or Deputy Town Manager, Rebecca Lisi.