A Letter from the Medfield Planning Board...

Every year the Planning Board reviews development applications that push the limits on lot coverage and often present unwanted changes to the dynamics of our neighborhoods. Even with our recently approved Housing Production Plan, we will continue to see applications for unfriendly affordable housing (otherwise known as 40B developments), multifamily developments, and single-family tear downs.

Over the past year, the Planning Board together with members of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), the Historic Commission, and the By-Law Review Committee, conducted a series of 21 working sessions and public hearings that engaged residents from the RU District and local developers. Together we evaluated the facts, figures, and concerns about changes in these RU neighborhoods.

At Town Meeting on April 24, the residents of Medfield will have an opportunity to vote on a series of Warrant Articles (39-47) related to zoning. These articles are proposed to strengthen the review process and set new limits on lot density, specifically in the Residential Urban (RU) Zoning District located in the heart of our town. Another Warrant Article (49), prohibits the sale of recreational or non-medicinal marijuana products in all zoning districts in Medfield.

Proposed zoning updates changes include:

• A planning board special permit process
• Adjustments to lot coverage limits
• An Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw for new multifamily developments requiring a percentage of affordable housing that will keep us on target with the state’s 10% affordable housing mandate

The complete language of the zoning changes will be published in the Town Meeting Warrant. If you would like to see it before such publication or have questions, please contact Medfield Town Planner, Sarah Raposa, sraposa@medfield.net or 508-906-3027.

Each zoning article will be presented separately for consideration. Voting yes on the combination of all articles will affirm an overarching desire to take action on maintaining the character of our town. The Planning Board recommends approval of Articles #39-47 and #49.

Sincerely,

Wright Dickinson

Planning Board Chair