Last Minute Questions...

As Annual Town Meeting approaches in Harvard, many likely know how they are going to vote and no new information is going to change their mind. But on the chance that there are undecided's out there,  unanswered questions, need for clarification, or any other knowledge gaps that need to be filled, I thought I would write this last piece before the doors figuratively open for Town Meeting.

Senior Residential Development

The Planning Board has been conducting outreach since last October and we hope that we have clearly and concisely answered any lingering questions about what is being brought forth as Articles 20 and 21 but here is a summary:

• Article 20 is entitled, "Amend Protective Bylaw Chapter 125 by Adding a New Section 125-57, Senior Residential Development." This bylaw amendment is creating a new section in the Protective (Zoning) Bylaw that initially provides a framework for senior housing development by defining what it is, providing a description of the age restrictions, providing criteria for age-appropriate design such as "zero step entrances" and other features, caps senior housing development at 15% of the town's total housing units, and limits the number of units that can be approved and permitted annually. Finally, this new section refers to two current types of senior-related housing that are already on the books: accessory apartments and assisted living. The Board anticipates bringing forward other senior housing types to insert into this section at future town meetings based on what was learned in the three surveys that were conducted early this year.
  
  
• Article 21 is entitled, "Amend Protective Bylaw Chapter 125 Section 125-18.1, Accessory Apartment Use." This is currently on the books by the name Accessory Apartment Use and the Board is looking to make a few amendments to this section that will make it easier to build senior-ready units on existing residential lots. The key proposed changes are to increase the maximum size to 1,500 square feet from the existing 1,200 square feet, changing the ratio of the accessory to primary residence from no more than 1/3 of total usable floor area of the unit and primary residence combined to no more than 50% of the size of the primary unit as a cleaner formula, and most importantly making the unit permitted by-right if built according to the age-appropriate design standards listed in the proposed 125-57.

While these two amendments seem like pretty small steps to be taking given the huge and complex bylaw that was considered for the fall 2020, the Board took advice from a number of advising boards and individuals who suggested going a little slower and smaller, easing in to the various types that were ultimately desired over time so that each Town Meeting could have a chance to more fully digest and assess what was being proposed. The Board anticipates additional bylaws in the fall of 2021 to continue the program of providing options for seniors--seniors that do not fit neatly into just one age or lifestyle category.

Lastly, the Board has developed a number of documents that can be found on the project website that is HERE. Included is a one-page summary that has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) added to it that we hope will answer all of your questions or concerns. If not, you are welcome to send me any additional questions and I will not only answer them personally before ATM but try to get them posted to the FAQ as well.

Ayer Road Commercial Development Project

As a part of Article 8 of the Warrant, the Planning Board is seeking $300,000 from the Capital Stabilization and Investment Fund to conduct a three-phase project that will culminate in the development of several deliverables that will promote and implement a positive vision for the Ayer Road Commercial Corridor. The Planning Board has created a web page for the project that includes a variety of handouts and reports that describe in detail what the project entails and what it is expected to accomplish. You can check out this page and its contents HERE. Essentially, the project is based on:

1. The premise that Harvard needs tax revenue and the commercial district is currently our best opportunity to facilitate such revenue.
   
   
2. That historical development and current inquiries indicate trends extended of less than optimal types of buildings, site improvements, and business types.
   
   
3. That current zoning facilitates these trends and does not incentivize the type of development Harvard wants and needs.
   
   
4. That no comprehensive vision for the district has ever been developed and this is what is needed to achieve consensus and encourage action.
   
   
5. That while there have been many studies and plans created but often never acted upon in the past, this program is different in that it is specific and targeted, will involve significant public participation, and result in specific deliverables intended to facilitate implementation. These include detailed market data, clear fiscal impact information, a detailed vision plan for the area including protected open space, and the specific zoning tools and other methods to make it all a reality.
   

The Planning Board envisions using a Smart Growth strategy to enable a mixed-use district that will be the envy of small towns nationwide. It will be a walkable village where socializing, hanging out, shopping, and engaging in a variety of activities will be enabled. As stated similarly for the senior housing section above, there are summaries and FAQs on the project page but you are encouraged to send us any additional questions and I will not only answer them personally before ATM but try to get them posted to the FAQ as well.

Thank you again for your careful consideration of these two impactful programs. They are directly based on specific goals and actions stated in policy documents such as past master plans. You can contact us at cryan@harvard.ma.us for questions.