Initiatives on the Table to Revitalize Commercial Areas, Expand Housing

Burlington's Town Meeting will soon be debating several key initiatives, including a new mixed-use innovation district in the Mall Road area, updates to signage and zoning rules in the Town Center, regulations around accessory dwelling units, and the possibility of allowing recreational marijuana dispensaries. As promised, all were up for discussion at last Thursday's Planning Board meeting, which was a public hearing.

The proposed mixed-use innovation district (MIX) near the mall aims to breathe new life into Burlington's commercial areas by mixing residential and commercial development. Economic Development Director, Melissa Tintocalis, explained that there is much infill development potential (construction on vacant or underutilized land, including existing parking lots), which could increase vitality as well as property values and commercial tax revenue.

Under the new plan, commercial buildings could reach up to 120 feet, while residential mixed-use structures would be capped at 70 feet. The proposal requires a 60-40 split between commercial and residential space, plus a 20% allotment for open space as a public benefit.

Some board members raised concerns about traffic and the impact on existing businesses and warned that the area might struggle to handle additional construction. The plan for the area would, however, encourage a decrease in reliance on single-occupancy cars; connectivity between areas would make it easier to walk, roll, or ride once in the area.

The board also looked at proposed changes to signage regulations in the town center. Betsey Hughes from the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee presented a plan, created in conjunction with outside consultant, Utile Design,  for more specific, visually-oriented, and easy-to-follow guidelines for business signs. These would provide much-needed clarity and modernization compared with the current regulations.

Also in the Town Center, the Planning Department is responding to Town Meeting concerns that the town isn't doing enough to encourage middle housing development (housing that is neither single-family nor high-density multifamily) with a proposal for a Middle Housing Overlay. This proposal would add more housing options with the added benefit of creating a livelier, pedestrian-friendly downtown.

The proposed district would cover areas along Cambridge Street from Terry Avenue to Grant Avenue, the area typically known as the Town Center. It would allow mixed-use development with businesses on the ground floor and up to 12 residential units per acre above. The plan limits buildings to three stories and requires 15% of residential units to be affordable housing. It also focuses on walkability and better public spaces.

Also, ahead of the state law permitting accessory dwelling units in residential areas, the town continues to refine proposed local bylaws to regulate them.

These town-initiated proposals were continued to the December 5 Planning Board meeting, with the exception of the signage proposal, which was supported with a unanimous vote.

A proposal to allow recreational marijuana dispensaries in certain parts of town, submitted by Town Meeting Member Alex Rutfield on behalf of resident Will Seagaard, was also on the agenda. Seagaard argued that marijuana is already present in Burlington, and regulation could bring in tax revenue. The idea sparked concerns from board members and residents about parking, traffic, and the potential impact on Burlington's business landscape.

Further, the Planning Board contended that zoning can't pass Town Meeting without a repeal of the general bylaw prohibiting retail marijuana sales, which Rutfield and Seagaard say will also be on the Warrant. The matter of zoning was continued to the first Planning Board meeting after January's Town Meeting.

Rounding out the meeting, the Planning Board reviewed proposals for new businesses, including a golf simulator bar in the Shoppes at Simonds and a coffee shop at 271 Cambridge Street, where Spencer's Cleaners used to be located.