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Planning Board 04/03/2025
(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)
Facing a state mandate that could cost Raynham in essential grants, the Planning Board takes decisive action to maintain local control while complying with Massachusetts' 3A Multi-Family Development Overlay District requirements.
After efficiently handling site plan approvals for commercial projects, the Board tackles the challenging housing mandate requiring the town to zone at for high-density residential development with a minimum capacity of 750 units. Rather than passively accepting state intervention, town officials collaborated with regional planning experts to develop a strategic solution.
The innovative approach? Placing the overlay district primarily on Walmart properties along Routes 44 and 138. As Vice Chairman Matthew Andre explains, this creates "a higher barrier to entry" compared to designating vacant land, potentially deterring immediate development while still satisfying state requirements. The bylaw also incorporates an affordable housing component to maintain the town's safe harbor status against unwanted Chapter 40B developments.
Town Administrator Greg Barns emphasizes the critical nature of compliance: "Should we not do something, the state will do it for us." The stakes include millions in grants funding fire services, elder care, infrastructure, and more. This follows unsuccessful legal challenges by other municipalities, with the state reinforcing these mandates through emergency legislation.
Though Planning Board members openly acknowledge their reluctance about the mandate, they recognize the importance of maintaining local influence rather than surrendering control entirely. As one board member notes, "We're trying to propose the parcels for the public to vote on. It's inevitably the public's decision."
The final decision rests with voters at the upcoming Town Meeting, where only a simple majority is required—unlike the two-thirds typically needed for zoning changes. Want to shape Raynham's future? Make your voice heard at Town Meeting on these critical zoning decisions.
Support the show
https://www.raynhaminfo.com/
Copyright RAYCAM INC. 2024
View all episodes
By Raynham(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)
Facing a state mandate that could cost Raynham in essential grants, the Planning Board takes decisive action to maintain local control while complying with Massachusetts' 3A Multi-Family Development Overlay District requirements.
After efficiently handling site plan approvals for commercial projects, the Board tackles the challenging housing mandate requiring the town to zone at for high-density residential development with a minimum capacity of 750 units. Rather than passively accepting state intervention, town officials collaborated with regional planning experts to develop a strategic solution.
The innovative approach? Placing the overlay district primarily on Walmart properties along Routes 44 and 138. As Vice Chairman Matthew Andre explains, this creates "a higher barrier to entry" compared to designating vacant land, potentially deterring immediate development while still satisfying state requirements. The bylaw also incorporates an affordable housing component to maintain the town's safe harbor status against unwanted Chapter 40B developments.
Town Administrator Greg Barns emphasizes the critical nature of compliance: "Should we not do something, the state will do it for us." The stakes include millions in grants funding fire services, elder care, infrastructure, and more. This follows unsuccessful legal challenges by other municipalities, with the state reinforcing these mandates through emergency legislation.
Though Planning Board members openly acknowledge their reluctance about the mandate, they recognize the importance of maintaining local influence rather than surrendering control entirely. As one board member notes, "We're trying to propose the parcels for the public to vote on. It's inevitably the public's decision."
The final decision rests with voters at the upcoming Town Meeting, where only a simple majority is required—unlike the two-thirds typically needed for zoning changes. Want to shape Raynham's future? Make your voice heard at Town Meeting on these critical zoning decisions.
Support the show
https://www.raynhaminfo.com/
Copyright RAYCAM INC. 2024