Town seeks input on downtown zoning changes

By Guest

A view of Washington Street looking toward the center

Submitted by Patricia McDermott, Planning Board Chair

For more than 20 years, the zoning that created the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District (CCEOD) has been in place in the downtown area. The goal of this special zoning district was to encourage mixed use, manageable growth, and support reasonable expansion. The underlying commitment was intended to create a downtown that was balanced with ground floor retail and residential components that added to the vitality of the center of Canton.

There are three major geographic sections to the CCEOD. One section begins at Walnut Street and extends to the MBTA Canton Center station. The second section runs from the north side of the train station and ends at Pequit and Lewis streets. The third and final section encompasses the land where the Paul Revere Heritage Site is now situated. In 2020, the most recent Master Plan identified opportunities to adjust the CCEOD to further promote planning and development opportunities for the town center.

During the latest town election, one of the concerns aired by candidates and residents alike was the need to find ways to improve the quality of downtown Canton. As the chairperson of the Planning Board, my direction and the desire for my fellow board members is to bring forth proposals that improve zoning and use regulations that bring about positive and manageable development along the CCEOD corridor. Residents and civic leaders are welcomed to join us in our work and provide constructive ideas for the future of the downtown.

It is important to note that communities that have completed studies and amended their zoning in their central business districts have found positive results. Pedestrian access, bike friendly and solutions for accessibility have all led to improved footfall counts and increased economic vitality. Our historic buildings mixed with new designs that enhance a modern image support better and more consistent development. New zoning proposals will update the two-decade-old bylaw and encourage smart growth. Residents have called for retail and dining options that support local businesses and entrepreneurs, and zoning changes are the vehicle for such ideas.

Fellow neighbors and business owners have thoughts and opinions that are needed as the Planning Board undertakes zoning revisions and recommendations. Issues related to building height, building size, setbacks, design guidelines and parking are all critical components to zoning changes. Over the past year, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), we have developed a survey that gathers opinions on several key downtown revisions and recommendations.

The CCEOD Survey gathers your opinion regarding expanding the district boundaries and updates to the uses that would be allowed or restricted. We are studying uses that would be reduced as well as updated uses that would add to the quality of services and offerings in both residential and retail uses. There are questions that look at dimensional and design characteristics, parking requirements, multi-family zoning, and parking. There are opportunities for general answers that will help us understand community reviews best and highest uses for under-developed parcels in downtown Canton.

Your input is critical, and although this is a technical survey, the results will play a pivotal role in the dialogue needed to write proposed changes to our CCEOD. Please take some time to share your thoughts on these potential changes. We want a collaborative planning effort that yields an improved downtown. All business owners and residents are encouraged to be part of this process. We have a lot of work to do, but the work should not be limited to elected and appointed officials — we can all have our opinions heard.

Your help is needed. Please take 15 minutes to complete the survey at bit.ly/CantonCenterZoning-Survey2.

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