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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning 10/26/2022Town of Mansfield Planning Board RECEIVED TOWN CLERKS OFFICE T% tjXtgMirMt4SS1 7ctober 26, 2022 MANSFIELD MEETING HELD IN $MT&OV491 I ING ROOM 3 AB AND VIRTUALLY USING GOTOWEBINAR PLATFORM Present: Beth Ashman -Collins, Chair; Joseph Cerretani, Clerk; Sharon Friedman; Adrian LeCesne; Brendan Roche and Mark Corsillo, Alternate Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development Priscilla McGill, Administrative Secretary (remote) Absent: Michael McClanahan; Ralph Penney; Michael Feck Alternate Meeting Minutes — postpone to next meeting. Arek Galle of BETA Group was present remotely and referenced the FAQ circulated document for the public workshop. Ms. Ashman -Collins also noted that she and Chris McDermott created a script of Q&As for their Cable Access session which was also distributed. Mr. Corsillo expressed that the shorter script was more public friendly than the detailed planning version. He suggested links be added to the Mansfield website. Ms. Ashman -Collins agreed and suggested highlights and definitions. The public may be more in tune with a shorter version. Ms. Ashman -Collins asked if there would be copies of the proposed zoning for the public at the workshop. Mr. Burke agreed that could be done. He also agreed that the FAQ is too long and suggested shortening it by eliminating the Housing Production Plan and some other excess information. 7:16pm Mr. Cerretani arrived at the meeting. Mr. Burke also noted that the MassDot Route 106 had a lot of inquiries at the last public workshop and felt that information is important. Mr. Galle agreed and also noted the recent Road Safely Audit for this project and could incorporate some of that information into the FAQ. 7:19pm Ms. Friedman arrived at the meeting. Planning Board Meeting Minutes 10/26/22 Page 1 of 3 Mr. Cerretani said that the FAQ document is too "planning" wordy and should be shortened for basic public understanding. Perhaps an information page for each section. Mr. LeCesne suggested that the first page capture attention, possible bullet points. Ms. Ashman -Collins referred to the Q&A document where Mr. McDermott explained that the projects can exist on their own, even though they do overlap. Mr. Cerretani said that the MassDOT Phase Il will really tie into the TOD project. Early 2023 for the 25% of the Phase I MassDOT portion will also rely on public input. Mr. Galle noted that it will incorporate pedestrian and bike access for connectivity to the train station. Mr. Galle suggested that the workshop be structured around public clarification, discussion on current projects, how the projects interface, milestones, and the internal process for the Zoning Bylaw for Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Ashman -Collins said that if the public leaves with a basic understanding of the issues and what needs to be decided, it would a successful workshop. Ms. Friedman asked if Mass Housing Partnership (MHP) in mid -November, would have sample zoning articles and should the Board pay attention to that or just move forward with current zoning proposals. Mr. Burke replied that the Board has worked on the MBTA zoning for a year. It was recently discovered that the MBTA is calculating density differently than Mansfield and there needs to be some way of handling that. Other Town examples would be helpful. He further noted that some of the Town used data for calculations is flawed as sourced from three different data areas. Differences in acres and wetland lines. Mr. Burke felt that the process was started too soon and should have waited so everyone was using common data. Mr. Burke referenced other towns where they are spending about a year for public education. He said that it may also take Mansfield a year to impart the information to the public. The beta study for the buildout model is being conducted now and things will be changing and the model will be modified. Mr. Cerretani asked if the MHP Early Action Technical Assistance Study is a good or bad thing for the Town. Mr. Burke referenced a Boston Globe article in which it stated that some towns will not participate in the MBTA zoning. Ms. Ashman -Collins said she is confident that the Town can formulate the details to meet the requirements that is currently driven by the Town's own Master Plan. Ms. Friedman also suggested that the FAQ and Q&A be short and to the point. She further noted that MHP launched a web -based Transit -Oriented Development Explorer (TODEX) which features a user- friendly tool that allows users to review densities at all 261 Greater Boston transit stations. Visit the site at www.mh%net/todex. They also launched DataTown — www.mht).net/datatown. This new interactive web site compiles community -level information from various available data sources for all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns, and visualizes that data in graphics and charts so it's easy to understand, print out and bring to a community discussion. Mr. Roche noted that the current TODEX data does not include our new buildings and it could be because the data does not recognize that they are mixed use with business/retail on the first floor and residential on upper floors. Ms. Ashman -Collins summarized that the FAQ and Q&A will be modified. There should be copies of the Draft zoning amendment at the public workshop. Mr. Galle said that making sure that the planning land use is keeping up with what is happening with the transportation project is also important. Another goal is to continue public discussions on the MBTA zoning initiative. Lastly, stimulate community investment with economic development. He also confirmed that the Housing Production Plan portion would be eliminated from the presentation. Planning Board Meeting Minutes 10/26/22 Page 2 of 3 Ms. Ashman -Collins said it could be a simple question "How do we know Mansfield has a need for housing?" The simple answer is there is a technocratic evaluation of the Housing Production Plan which will be used as a reference. HPP has a broad range of needs and the district should reflect those needs. Different size units and different price points to accommodate all. Mr. Cerretani noted that the MBTA community district was developed by Gov. Baker and the Govermnent because Boston does not have enough housing and the State is trying to create more affordable housing along the transit routes to provide that workforce to Boston. Mansfield is in a unique situation with a busy commuter rail station, large areas of land that can be rezoned for higher density, and the opportunity to change the roadway structure to accommodate the changes. Mr. Burke confirmed that the Housing Production Plan will be presented to the Planning Board on December 14`' and then to the Select Board on December 21s`. The November 9'h Community Workshop will be held in Town Hall Meeting Room 3A/B and stations will be setup in the same fashion as the first session. Mr. LeCesne asked if Draper Avenue will be a through street and if there will be mechanisms in place for that. Ms. Ashman -Collins noted that the current proposed Station Overlay District zoning excludes the Draper Avenue area keeping it intact as single family and protected from the zoning changes. Mr, LeCesne suggested map with clear land line distinctions for the area that will be included in the new Station Overlay District. Mr. Galle suggested information on circulation patterns. Mr. Cerretani summarized the CIP meeting noting proposals for furnace repair, gym floor, HVAC and roofing, police and fire vehicles. Mr. LeCesne noted that the integration of the Town owned land around the Station Overlay District may require conservation approval, but would allow neighborhood amenities. Ms. Friedman suggested that amenities, greenspace and vegetation be included in the zoning requirements. Mr. Cerretani shared that on his recent European trip, he observed that Munich is such a walkable and bikeable city and very modern. Motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. (Cerretani-Roche) all in favor PASSES Date of Next Planning Board Meeting and Public Workshop: November 9, 2022 at 7:00 p. m. Signature of Cleric Date of Approval ), U.Zb23 Planning Board Meeting Minutes 10/26/22 Page 3 of 3