At the forefront of the meeting was the board’s comprehensive review of zoning regulations, particularly the updates needed for the town’s bylaws. These changes encompass a broad spectrum of zoning categories, with a particular emphasis on residential and commercial uses along major routes like Route 135. The board discussed the transition of existing residential zones to new T3 and T4 designations, designed to maintain current building height restrictions while increasing lot conformity. This shift aims to encourage developments that enhance streetscapes, including extending sidewalks and establishing multi-use paths with street trees.

Particular attention was paid to parcels near Natick Crossing and the train station, where a T5 designation was proposed to allow higher density developments. This would bring constructions closer to the street with strategies to minimize impact on adjacent properties. The board acknowledged challenges in developing specific sites due to existing townhouses and suggested reclassifying these parcels to T3 for consistency. These zoning updates are part of a broader initiative to align with the Natick 2030 vision, focusing on the West Natick station as a central point for development.

The conversation on transit-oriented development (TOD) emphasized the importance of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, particularly in the half-mile radius around transit stations such as West Annex and Natick Center. The board explored the possibility of implementing multi-use paths akin to those in Watertown and stressed the need for educating landowners about federal programs that could finance such projects. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) was identified as a potential partner in these efforts, with discussions on the challenges developers face due to lengthy procurement processes in Massachusetts. The board acknowledged that these hurdles could deter projects that would otherwise contribute to TOD advancements.

In a related discussion, the board addressed housing policies, focusing on inclusionary housing regulations. The proposed amendments included removing outdated references to the Natick Housing Production Plan, which is set to expire, as the town’s affordable housing stock exceeds the 10% threshold. Clarifications were sought regarding the inclusion of assisted living units in the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), with proposals to exempt these units unless they are added to the SHI. This segment highlighted the need for further information and ongoing efforts to refine these regulations.

The board also delved into amendments concerning definitions in zoning bylaws, particularly those related to educational, religious, and childcare uses protected under the Dover Amendment. The intent was to streamline the review process by eliminating conflicting language. Additionally, the board considered the effectiveness of fee-in-lieu options for affordable housing, questioning whether these payments generate as many units compared to on-site construction.

Another notable topic was the examination of specific parcels along Route 9, currently zoned residential but surrounded by commercial uses. The board considered sponsoring an article to rezone these properties to allow appropriate commercial uses while safeguarding the character of adjacent residential neighborhoods.

There was a consensus on the necessity of clarifying definitions and consolidating terms to avoid redundancy and overlap. The board also touched on the potential inclusion of new industries, like craft beverage establishments, in the zoning bylaws.

Concluding the meeting, the board highlighted ongoing efforts by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to manage funding requests for various community projects. The CPC’s process involves an initial letter of interest, followed by a review to establish eligibility before projects can proceed to town meeting for a vote. This framework ensures that projects align with community goals and are financially viable.