Heights Action Plan Calls For Consolidating Business Districts

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington Department of Planning and Community Development last week released the Arlington Heights Action Plan, designed to explore possibilities for revitalizing the area. The plan examined possible barriers to development and recommended future zoning or regulatory amendments in order to maximize the Heights' potential for economic development.

The project determined there is no need for multiple business districts neighboring each other in the Heights, and that consolidating the districts could "provide greater clarity and efficiency in the permitting process and greater consistency of future development," according to the plan.

It also calls for re-zoning a portion of the industrial area to the east of Park Drive – the "Gold's Gym site" – into the Arlington Heights Planned Unit Development district. The plan also details recommendations for creating design standards, working with the MBTA to activate the bus depot and exploring creative placemaking projects and community events to add a sense of vibrancy and vitality to the area.

The Action Plan is the culmination of meetings between the town and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, as well as community forums with a project steering committee consisting of town officials, residents, business holders and other stakeholders. Read the full Arlington Heights Action Plan below: