Concord Villages

Planning and Overlay Zoning Study

Process and Schedule Overview 

MISSION

The purpose of the Village Overlay Study is to help the town imagine the possibilities and the consequences of any choices that we make about the future of our three village centers. Recognizing that change and growth are inevitable, the Committees will develop guidelines for development specific to each center to foster those characteristics that make each one vital and attractive to residents and businesses, and foster growth as desired. Attendant changes to zoning will be created and implemented through the creation of Zoning Overlay districts.

GOALS

To create a Village Plan and Village Zoning Bylaws for each village that provides guidance to:

·        Protect the unique Character of each village including:

            Aesthetic appearance

            Variety of businesses

            Housing opportunities

            Green space and amenities

·        Enhance the  Quality of Life for residents and businesses by providing:

            Vitality for village living

            Solutions for Parking, traffic, public transportation

·        Enhance Economic and Housing opportunities to:

Encourage growth that fits the village character

Increase vitality of business types

Increase housing variety to serve residents in various stages of life

PROCESS

  1. Form Steering Committee and Village Task Force Groups
  2. Conduct orientation for all committees through site walk and historic background
  3. Define the preliminary boundaries of the three village districts.
  4. Define major goals and work plan for study
  5. Create process, schedule, and task list for Task Force
  6. Hire a consultant to help guide the committees
  7. Collect information for each village

a.       Define and Collect physical information regarding facts and figures for building uses, size, parking, occupancy, amenities, etc for each village.

b.      Conduct interviews with property owners, businesses, and residents that are immediately impacted in the study area.

  1. Conduct Visioning Session to obtain public values and goals

a.       Provide on-going education to prepare the Public for the Village Overlay.

    1. Hold Town-wide workshop for education and input.
    2. Hold local workshops/field survey for each village to focus on options.
  1. Create Conceptual Plan for each Village
    1. Develop master templates for the Plans and the Bylaws.
    2. Review plans and zoning from other towns; include possibility of 40R.
    3. Draft Plan for each Village using the collected info.
    4. Review draft plan with local area stakeholders.
  2. Present Village Plans to public for education and comment
  3. Use Village Plan concepts to create Overlay Zoning Bylaw
    1. Conduct Formal Public Hearing by Planning Board
  4. Final Revision and submit Bylaws to the Warrant
  5. Complete the Town-wide education Program before Town Meeting
  6. Prepare for Town Meeting