The “Smith Property” Public Forum

March 2, 2011

Photo: Historical Society

• 8+ acres located at 715 & 717 Main Street•Used as a commercial site since the early 1900’s and operated as Smith’s Garage.•Also has two houses

Photo: j.burney

Zoning• Prior to 1972 all land in Bolton

was unzoned. In 1972 the first zoning districts were created

• Smith’s continued to operate as a Pre-Existing Non Conforming Use (PENC) until the early 2000’s

• A PENC use which has been abandoned, discontinued for a period of 2-years shall not be re-established, and any future use of the premises shall conform with the Bolton Bylaw

Brownfield Site – lead, arsenic & petroleum•Phase 1 & 2 completed•Phase 3 needs assessment•Phase 4 cleanup•Phase 5 final inspection

Wetlands• Perennial Stream (Great Brook)

Board of Health

Failed septic systems for the 2 houses and the garage

UMass visualization of the Smith property

2 recent development proposals

Bolton Crossing 78,000+ SF Chris Nash 34,000+ SF

Zoning Scenarios

Residential

• Current zoning requires 80,000 Sq. ft. (almost 2-acres) per housing unit.

• Property consists of 8+ acres which could allow up to 4 houses or less (need to fit in septic & well & meet wetland requirements)

Courtesy of Historical Society

Zoning Scenarios

Residential 40B

• Bypass local zoning requirements.

• 25% of units must be deed restricted as affordable units.

• E.g. The Regency 23 acres 60 units (2.61

units per acre) Smith would have 20 units

Sunset Ridge 15.5 acres 28 units (1.81 units per acre) Smith would have 14.48 units

Zoning Scenarios

Local Initiative Plan (LIP)

• Friendly 40B

• Application submitted w/ letter of endorsement by Board of Selectmen

• 25% of units must be deed restricted as affordable

• E.g. Bolton Woods Way 9.9 acres 28 units (14 affordable) 2.83 units per acre/ Smith would have 22.64 units

Zoning Scenarios

Mixed Use 40B

• Residential project may contain ancillary commercial, institutional, or other non residential uses.

• Planned & designed to complement the primary residential uses

Zoning Scenarios

Village Overlay w/ Design Guidelines

• Village Overlay could allow mixed use (residential & commercial uses) that are compatible with the historic context of the neighborhood.

• The design guidelines could control: architectural style, building mass, lighting, landscaping, signage, buffering, parking, setbacks & building heights.

Zoning Scenarios

• Rezone to Business or Limited Business

Zoning Scenarios40R Smart Growth Districts

• Allows for dense residential or mixed use development. 20% of housing must be affordable.

• The Board of Selectmen submits an application to the state requesting a Smart Growth District. Once approved by the State, a community then adopts the smart growth district at town meeting 2/3rds vote.

• Financial incentives: zoning incentive payment e.g. $10,000 for up to 20 units, bonus payments $3,000 for each unit, educational cost reimbursement

(see handout for more details)

NEXT:7:55 – 8:25 pm discussion between

the Planning Board, Board of Selectmen & Economic

Development Committee