At the forefront of the meeting, the board received an update from the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) on the Massachusetts Housing Partnership grants. These grants are intended to explore potential locations for establishing transit-oriented multifamily districts within Norton. SRPEDD representatives Robert Cabal and Chris Welsh presented three potential sites for such development, emphasizing the Mansfield Avenue area as a favorable option due to its proximity to Mansfield Station and existing utilities.

The board examined the challenges and opportunities of each site. While the Mansfield Avenue site was supported for its transit access and utilities, the Western portion of Route 123, though considered, was noted to lack some utilities. The Norton Center was deemed the least favorable due to transit access limitations. Discussions also delved into the mechanisms for achieving compliance with state housing mandates, such as the possibility of using the 40R tool or locally initiated overlay district. SRPEDD outlined Norton’s obligations under Section 3A of Mass General law 40A, which requires the creation of capacity for multifamily housing.

The potential new zoning district was a central topic of discussion. The board generally agreed that the district should not be located in the town center to preserve its historic character and leaned towards the Mansfield Avenue area. There was a consensus that existing commercial activity and proximity to the highway made it ideal for the new district. The board debated the number of units that should be allowed in multifamily buildings within the district, with some preference for smaller-scale housing. The concept of creating new use categories, such as “missing middle housing,” was discussed to provide diverse housing options within the new zone.

Additionally, there was a debate on whether the district should be a base zone or an overlay district, with consideration given to the potential impact on commercial land and the level of control over development. The board proposed forming a working group to further explore and develop the specifics of the new district, keeping in mind the deadlines for adoption by the end of the year and presentation at the town meeting.

Another topic was the potential creation of a Smart Road District. The board deliberated on the requirements and implications of such a district, including the need to comply with the 40R program, which offers subsidies and affordable housing opportunities but also imposes additional criteria and a more complex application process. The board gave the go-ahead for a local overlay district, with an emphasis on inclusionary components and the exploration of mixed-use development.

The meeting addressed other matters, including the endorsement of an ANR plan for a property on Taunton Avenue presented by applicant Michael Dean. The board reviewed the plans and discussed necessary adjustments to meet special permit requirements. Clarifications were sought regarding access points and connection width between lots, as well as the handling of a historic rock wall and tree affected by the development.

Finally, the board discussed a proposal by a representative from Conine regarding the acceptance of Leonard Street North. The representative sought a non-binding recommendation from the board to allow the select board to adopt an order of layout and place the item on the town meeting agenda. The board raised questions about documentation and road completion, which the representative addressed, assuring that all necessary documentation had been submitted. The proposal was endorsed by the board.