Arlington Planners Look At Industry, Residential Design, Transit

ARLINGTON, MA — The Department of Planning and Community Development has started three projects funded by the Town Meeting in 2019: an Economic Analysis of the Industrial Zoning Districts, the preparation of Residential Design Guidelines for residential buildings in the R0, R1, and R2 Zoning Districts, and the completion of a Sustainable Transportation Plan.

The office selected RKG Associates to conduct the Industrial Zoning analysis; Harriman to do the Residential Design Guidelines; and Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates to complete the Sustainable Transportation Plan. The projects are expected to be completed in 2020.

The Economic Analysis of Industrial Zoning Districts is being done to attract new businesses and jobs in emerging growth industries to the town's Industrial Districts. The goal is also to create opportunities for Arlington to generate greater revenue by amending the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map.

RKG Associates will provide the Town with an understanding of the market and fiscal realities of development scenarios to help inform any recommended regulatory amendments. The resulting potential zoning amendments are intended to better match the needs of today's industrial developers and businesses and well-position Arlington in a highly competitive industrial and commercial market place, according to the town. The Zoning Bylaw Working Group and DPCD are working with RKG Associates on this project. Project information may be found on the Zoning Bylaw Working Group's website.

Through the Residential Design Guidelines project, Harriman will help identify design preferences for the low density residential zoning districts including R0, R1, and R2, set forth accepted guidelines that sets expectations for the community and how those requirements are met and develop a review process. The Design Review Working Group is advising DPCD and Harriman on this project. In addition to DPCD staff, the Design Review Working Group includes a representative from the Redevelopment Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Residential Study Group and three residents with architectural backgrounds. Project information may be found on the Design Review Working Group's website.

The Sustainable Transportation Plan kicked off in mid-January. The plan will provide a vision for the development of the transportation system in Arlington over the next 20 years, building upon the Traffic and Circulation section of the Master Plan and its recommendations. It will focus on all aspects of transportation and mobility in Arlington, including walking, bicycling, public transportation, driving, shared mobility and micro-mobility. Goals and recommendations will be developed to prioritize next steps for projects, programs, and policies. Project information may be found on the Sustainable Transportation Plan Advisory Committee's website.

To learn more about these projects, contact Erin Zwirko, Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development, at 781-316-3091 or ezwirko@town.arlington.ma.us.