Townsend Board Debates Zoning for Multifamily Housing

In a recent Townsend Planning Board meeting, discussions unfolded surrounding proposed zoning changes aimed at introducing new multifamily overlay districts, which could reshape the town’s housing landscape. These changes include defining the boundaries of these districts, setting density restrictions, and adjusting development standards. Additionally, the meeting addressed the appointment of a new associate member, the introduction of zoning bylaw amendments, and revisions to parking standards for multifamily dwellings.

One notable issue discussed was the recommendation of new overlay districts intended to increase the availability of multifamily housing in Townsend. The board engaged in a comprehensive debate over the details, focusing on access points, density, and development standards for these potential districts. One point was the consideration of two meaningful access points to any sizable multifamily housing development to address public safety and transportation concerns. The preference for district 1.2a emerged, which supports a higher density of 15 units per acre and includes a 100-foot strip for compliance with current zoning regulations.

The deliberation extended to the implications of the Multifamily Housing Overlay District on the town’s fabric. The board discussed the importance of retaining site plan approval over these projects to maintain control over development without the need for a special permit process. Furthermore, development standards such as frontage, lot size, setback, and density requirements for multifamily and two-family dwellings came under scrutiny as the board considered necessary adjustments to align with the proposed changes.

In parallel, the board tackled the issue of zoning boundaries for District One and District Three. The debate centered on how to delineate these areas, taking into account factors like access, frontage, and economic development opportunities. A proposed East-West line across District One would divide it into multifamily overlay in the north and commercial zoning in the south. The conversation also touched upon the appropriate levels of density to balance residential development with the preservation of commercial land, a topic that brought forth differing opinions among board members.

Further, the board examined the potential splitting of parcels, the availability of town water, the feasibility of tiny home construction, and the impact on schools and transportation. The idea of offering an alternative set of dimensional requirements for single and two-family homes, as opposed to multifamily development, was also discussed. The board agreed on the need for more analysis and local expertise to make informed decisions reflective of the community’s priorities.

Changes to zoning bylaws were also a topic of discussion, with the board considering adjustments to setbacks for freestanding accessory buildings and parking standards for multifamily dwellings. The board concluded that a 5-foot setback from all lot lines would be more fitting for small lot single and two-family homes. Additionally, the board debated the merits of reducing the parking requirement for multifamily dwellings to 1.5 spaces per unit and adjusting the fair market value area for affordable housing units.

The meeting’s administrative aspects included the welcoming of a new member, Lance McN, and the motion to appoint Patrick Kwachic as an associate member, pending approval at a joint meeting. The board’s efforts in establishing a bylaw were acknowledged in a letter from Representative Sky Dale, and the progress of the Safety Action Plan by the Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission and Montachusett Regional Transit Authority was noted.

Importantly, the board grappled with the challenges of implementing state-mandated requirements, particularly concerning MBTA affiliation and its impact on local affordable housing. Announcements were made regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan, signaling future discussions on the implementation of these plans.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Administrator:
Eric Slagle
Planning Board Officials:
Laura Shifrin, Carol Hoffses, Andrew Shepherd, Robert Therrien, Tony Lopez, Michael Virostko, Beth Faxon (Administrator)

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording