Community

Daily Buzz | Design Workshop Yields Productive Discussion About the Future

Plus, weekend events in Burlington

Nicci Kadilak

Jun 2, 2023 — 2 min read

Good Morning and Happy Friday, Burlington!

Last week, the Economic Development department, along with the design firm contracted to support the development of new zoning in the Mall Road-Middlesex Turnpike corridor, met with several community members to envision what this area could look like in the future, and how it could be made more functional and inviting.

Here are some notes from Economic Development Director, Melisa Tintocalis about how the design workshop went:

We had a good cross-section of people - developers, town meeting members, planning board members, and long-time residents.
The exercises were thought-provoking. Placing physical building blocks and imagining the uses, heights, and adjacencies created a lot of discussion.
There was a consensus that infill development [(development on vacant or formerly industrial land, like those expansive, underutilized parking lots,)] would be acceptable in the Mall Road district.
There was general agreement that most uses would be accepted in the area—office, R&D, housing, and retail.
Connectivity was a recurring theme—people seem to be agreeable to added development capacity; however, they want high-quality design and attention to how the private investment integrates and improves the public realm.
Participants were also interested in creating more interest through entertainment and cultural things to do.
Housing scale and design seemed acceptable to the size, depending on the location.
Parking should be consolidated, but there is tension on using the open area best... Some want more green space. Some wanted more development.

Melisa emphasizes that any changes in our zoning are part of a long game; changes now will be incremental over the next 5-15-20 years.

Today in Burlington

Meetings and Events

Friday, June 2

9:30 AM - Senior Breakfast
10:30 AM - Graduation Rehearsal
4:00 PM - Tween Event: Fuse Bead Bookmarks (library event; register)

Saturday, June 3

8:30 AM-12:00 PM - Household Hazardous Waste Day (Fox Hill School)
10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Sketch-a-Sculpture event at the Sculpture Park. Refreshments provided by Wegmans; art supplies provided by the BHS Art Department and guidance provided by BHS art students.
10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Francis Wyman Community Carnival
10:30 AM - Star Wreath or Summer Flower Basket Weaving Class (Made in Burlington; register)
1:00 PM-4:30 PM - Afternoon off Doll Club at the library

Sunday, June 4

BHS Graduation! Congrats seniors!
12:30 PM - Soap Making Class (Made in Burlington; register)
2:00 PM - Heartland Health Food - Tea Ceremony (library event, free and open to all)

Sports and Activities

Boys’ Volleyball lost to O’Bryant last night, ending their postseason. Great work this season, team!

Boys’ Tennis, however, is still in the mix, making it to the Round of 16 with a 4-1 win over North Attleboro. They’ll take on Reading at Rahanis next (Time TBD).