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Village Zoning District for Northfield?

Gerald Coogan, AICPLakes Region Planning Commission

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Purpose and History

Explore alternatives for a village zoning district --- one option “NO ACTION”

Recommendation from 2003 Master Plan

Vision session --- opportunity for residents, property owners, business people, PB, ZBA and BOS and interested persons to share thoughts.

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Study Area

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Overview Existing Conditions – Zoning Ordinance

Conservation District – CONS Commercial / Industrial District – C/I Multi-Family Residential District – R-2 Single-Family Residential Groundwater Protection Ordinance

Table 7-1 Uses allowed by district Table 7-2 Dimensional Requirements Benefits of Village Zoning District Examples of a village zoning district

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Existing Town Zoning

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Benefits Higher densities with water and sewer Mixed uses – commercial, retail and

multi-family Encourage development and

redevelopment of sites Improved pathway for local approvals Aligns zoning with existing land use

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Approaches to a Village Zoning District

Reviewed eight village ordinances Peterborough – “There are no minimum lot

sizes, setbacks or frontages required.” Seabrook’s Smithtown village - Purpose “to

enhance economic vitality … and visual appeal … consistent with existing …”

Northfield – Purpose --- to be determined Northfield Planning Board involved and

engaged in the process

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Tour of Northfield Village – Howard Avenue

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PCC Structurals

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Bedard Apartments

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Park St – facing Exit 19 – left

side R 2, right side C / I

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Ciao Pasta

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Hall Memorial Library

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The Arch

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Visioning Process What people like most about the existing

village area? What people like the least? What people would like to see? Ideas --- how can the village area be

improved. Other ideas?

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Guidelines All ideas are encouraged and welcomed Be creative “Think out of the box” Constructive positive criticism

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Summary and Next Steps

Review ideas and identify priorities Return for a 2nd session in late June Possible design workshop in July Share information with the Planning

Board Work with the Planning Board on

potential options over the summer / fall.

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Results

Project Summary Develop alternatives – one being no

change Prepare a draft amendment for 2014

Town Meeting to submit for the Planning Board

If approved by PB, voters to decide at Town Meeting