At Monday’s Fall Town Meeting, voters approved amending the Town’s Zoning Bylaws to create a Multifamily Development Overlay District. The purpose is to allow for the development of multifamily housing development in accordance with G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, and to promote the development of a variety of housing sizes and types.
There were 156 ‘yes’ votes with 59 in opposition.
Town Planner John Aubin noted the town would be in compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act. The Act requires 177 Cities and Towns to establish “at least 1 district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right.” Where possible, the district must be within a half mile from public transportation (commuter rail, bus station, ferry terminal or subway). MBTA Communities must permit the development of housing suitable for families with children, and may not impose age restrictions, within the district.
The new 90 acre Overlay District will provide capacity for as many as 750 housing units.
Michael Brady, a member of the Finance Committee, warned about an influx of new families moving into town. Building 750 units would impact the police and fire departments, as well as put a strain on the school system, Brady noted.
Another amendment to the Zoning Bylaws which concerns Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Law was also approved.
Voters approved the layouts for Airdrie Court, Stone Ridge Drive, and Brady Lane.
An article which proposed compensating the assistant town clerk for her efforts in the 2024 elections was defeated.
Also rejected was a plan to allocate $72,000 in PEG Cable Access funding to TV17, which would provide Seekonk public school students with vocational career training opportunities.
An article asking to accept the layout for Palmer River Road was indefinitely postponed.
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