Planning Board Set to Weigh in on the Vision for Burlington
The future of Burlington could include more mixed-use development, with design standards and connectivity for residents and visitors
The latest Planning Board meeting was all about the long-term vision for Burlington, as representatives from town departments and subcommittees presented to the Board on progress toward several ongoing initiatives. If approved at Town Meeting, the future of Burlington could consist of mixed uses such as housing, retail, and commercial in both the Town Center and the Mall Road corridor, along with cohesive design standards, in the plan.
Discussed at the meeting were:
- The first phase of the Mall Road Mixed Zoning proposal, which will include a small portion of the area near the mall
- Updates to the Town Center zoning overlay that could encourage some redevelopment, enhanced connectivity, and new housing
- A cohesive set of guidelines governing signs in the Town Center
- Regulations around accessory dwelling units ahead of a state law which takes effect in February
On this last point, the Planning Board is seeking clarification from the town's attorney as well as the state about what specifically the town can regulate.
Once the Economic Development Department, Planning Board & Department, Zoning Bylaw Review Committee, and their consultants complete the language in these proposals, they'll be submitted to Town Meeting; expect to see some as soon as January.
