Limited Commercial District Smart Growth Study

May 2021 LCD Overlay District Study Update

As the Town considers it future, it does so in an environment that is anything but static. Changes, proposed changes, and new opportunities require that the Town regularly assess its actions in light of existing, expected and desired future conditions.

Given that the recent proposal for a large 40B housing development in the Limited Commercial District has created resident concern about unintended community impacts and following the recommendation of the Planning Board, the Town and MAPC have agreed to change the scope of the LCD Smart Growth Overlay District Feasibility Study.

The study will shift from consideration of a 40R Overlay District that would allow a prescribed housing density by right, to an Overlay District that could allow a mix of uses either by right or special permit.  The study will now identify, illustrate, and evaluate several development options and create regulations and design standards for a Mixed Use Overlay District that follows the principles of smart growth. To that end, MAPC will work with the Town to:

• provide research data on market feasibility for a variety of desired uses included office, research and development, assisted living facilities, hotel and rental housing.
• create perspective sketch/modeling of three development scenarios that illustrate density of use and potential site layout including access ways, development areas and areas of preserved vegetation.
• develop a matrix to show comparison of development impacts including revenue, parking spaces, housing, water use, employees, % preserved space, % impervious surface
• draft zoning language and design guidelines for a mixed use overlay district

 Thank you for your interest and engagement in this planning study.

For more information contact Sue Brown, Town Planner at browns@manchester.ma.us