Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
CantonMPSC_Minutes_Final_082719_with attachments
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Canton Master Plan Update Steering Committee Meeting August 27, 2019, 6-9 pm Canton Public Library – Aldrich Meeting Room 786 Washington St MINUTES Present: Master Plan Steering Committee: John McSweeney, Emilio Mauro, Michael McMahon, and Tonja Mettlach Staff: Laura Smead, Town Planner; Horsley Witten Group: Nate Kelly, Krista Moravec; Metropolitan Area Planning Council: Chris Kuschel Not present: Gerald Carmichael, Tom Theodore, David McCarthy, Sonja Grauds, and Meredith McLoughlin Discussion/Homework 1. Welcome/Late Arrivals 6:00-6:05 • No quorum so unable to accept minutes 2. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes 6:05-6:10 3. Presentation and Discussion on the Canton Junction Transit Oriented Development Study 6:10-6:30 Chris Kuschel updates group on the Canton Junction Transit-Oriented Development study and gets feedback on zoning proposals • Generally the group felt positively about the proposed style and scale of future land use changes • Group generally felt that a Canton specific tailored zoning change that changed the underlying zoning was preferable to a 40R district or other overlay district 4. Draft Master Plan Chapters: Protect Live Play Focus Areas: Route 138 Downtown Canton Junction 6:30-8:30 Dedicate about 20 minutes to each chapter. • Many group comments, see attached marked up chapters with consolidated comments 5. Refinement of future land use map 8:30 – 8:40 • Group marked up comments on the land use map for general clarifications and tweaks • For better clarity and simplifying the map: • Wanted to see multifamily distinct from other forms of high-density housing (small lot single family, two-family) • Wanted to lump other lower density single-
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family districts together • Felt good about where mixed-use was proposed • Felt good about where open space/ conservation was proposed 6. Finalizing guiding principles 8:40-8:55 • Wanted to add housing to Route 138 guiding principle to better align with the vision statement in the Route 138 study (RKG Associates/ MassDevelopment)
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 1 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT Protect The entirely of thisThis Master Plan touches on all aspects of Canton that make it an attractive place to live and spend time, but there are important sensitive and critical features of the Town that provide social, economic, and environmental value to the community. These are built and natural features appreciated and enjoyed by past and current generations, and if no longer around, future generations could not experience living, working, or visiting Canton in the same way. These aspects are at risk because of disinvestmentneglect, development and construction activities, lack of resources to sustain them, or even factors beyond the borders of Canton itself. They are worthy of protection to sustain Canton’s sense of place and the Town to take local action. They include: • Historic Resources: These resources encompass include historic structures and sites that signify Canton’s past and link with significant historic American figures and events, such as … . • Arts and Culture: These Arts and cultural resources can include historic features that a community identifies with, such as …, but also assets that expand experiences and knowledge, like the visual and performing arts, lectures, and museums. • Environmental Stewardship: These resources include nNatural features such as wetlands, forests, groundwater, and ponds, which are all important aspects of Canton, and which . They add aesthetic and scenic values to our community, offer opportunities to experience nature, and provide clean air and drinking water. • Natural Hazards and Climate Change: There are populations and areas of Canton vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards like severe storms, wind, and drought, as well as those of climate change, which is protectedprojtected to increase the intensity of these hazards. • Energy Conservation and Generation: Canton already supports solar and other renewable energy alternatives to heat and cool homes and businesses or power industries. Historic Resources Canton is home to a rich history and robust historic resources. Dating back to 1637 when it was part of Dorchester, Canton can claim to beis one of the oldest villages in America, with historic churches, residences, and commercial buildings. Protecting these resources preserves the town’s character and charm and helps residents link to its history. [SUGGEST INCLUDING A MORE ROBUST OVERVIEW IN EACH OF THESE SECTIONS THAT FORECASTS WHAT EACH OF THE SUBPARTS WILL SHOW] Issues & Needs Protecting Historic Resources [SUGGEST DEFINING THE ISSUE/NEED/PROBLEM/FOCUS AREA RIGHT UP FRONT; AS WRITTEN, THIS JUMPS RIGHT INTO THE MEASURES IN PLACE FOR PROTECTING THOSE NEEDS WITHOUT PROVIDING MUCH CONTEXT. I’D SUGGEST HAVING SOME CONTEXT IN PLACE BEFORE LISTING THE WAYS WE ARE Comment [EM1]: Should titles of chapters be nouns instead of verbs? Examples: “Living” instead of “Live” and “Protection” instead of “Protect”. Comment [EM2]: Should this read “entirety” rather than “entirely”? Comment [TM3]: I’m not sure this makes sense. What is an important sensitive feature? Comment [TM4]: Most of the sentences in this first paragraph start with these or they. But to be honest, I’m not sure I understand what we are getting at. Comment [MMJ5]: Suggest giving examples in each of these categories. They are perhaps a bit too vague as listed here. Comment [MMJ6]: These are less tangible and seem out of place in this listing. Comment [MMJ7]: I think these headers could benefit from leading roman numerals. They are very hard to follow throughout this chapter.
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 2 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT ALREADY PROTECTING THESE RESOURCES] The Canton Corner Historic District and many other sites in the community are recognized for their historic significance and are listed on either the national and/or state registers of historic places (see Baseline Report). There are many other sites and structures not formally listed that are earmarked as significant. The Canton Historical Commission and other Town boards and committees work together to ensure that significant resources are not lost. The Inventory of Cultural and Historic Resources for the Town of Canton is one of the principal and ongoing projects of the Commission. The continued development of this list allows boards and commissions to be aware of historically important sites and, where appropriate, the Town can add these to the national or State registers. Another important tool used by Canton to help save structures from demolition or maintain their historic integrity is the demolition delay bylaw. The bylaw requires review by the Historical Commission for demolition permit applications to the Building Inspector if a property was built before 1940. If the Commission determines that the site or structure is historically or architecturally significant, and preservation is preferred, a six-month delay period is imposed. During this time, the Commission has the opportunity to look for alternatives to demolition. The Town’s third primary tool for historic preservation is the Community Preservation Act (CPA), which provides funds to acquire, preserve, rehabilitate, and restore historic resources listed on the State Register of Historic Places or determined by the Commission to be significant in the history, archeology, architecture, or culture of Canton. The Town’s CPA surcharge is 1% (see above). As an example, the Paul Revere Heritage Site was purchased with CPA-bonded proceeds in 2015 and is showcased at the state level as a CPA success story.1 Adaptive Reuse Adaptive reuse of existing historic structures and properties gives vacant buildings new life and reduces the need for new construction, which consumes land, energy, and materials. Reuse of historic structures also opens opportunity for creativity and unique spaces. There are many practical challenges to adaptive 1 https://www.communitypreservation.org/success-stories/news/endangered-no-more-paul-revere-heritage-site- canton Community Preservation Act The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a smart growth tool that helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. CPA also helps strengthen the state and local economies by expanding housing opportunities and construction jobs for the Commonwealth's workforce, and by supporting the tourism industry through preservation of the Commonwealth’s historic and natural resources. CPA allows communities to create a local Community Preservation Fund for open space protection, historic preservation, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. Community preservation monies are raised locally through the imposition of a surcharge of not more than 3% of the tax levy against real property, and municipalities must adopt CPA by ballot referendum. - Community Preservation Coalition www.communitypreservation.org Community Preservation Act The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a smart growth tool that helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. CPA also helps strengthen the state and local economies by expanding housing opportunities and construction jobs for the Commonwealth's workforce, and by supporting the tourism industry through preservation of the Commonwealth’s historic and natural resources. CPA allows communities to create a local Community Preservation Fund for open space protection, historic preservation, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. Community preservation monies are raised locally through the imposition of a surcharge of not more than 3% of the tax levy against real property, and municipalities must adopt CPA by ballot referendum. - Community Preservation Coalition www.communitypreservation.org Community Preservation Act The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a smart growth tool that helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. CPA also helps strengthen the state and local economies by expanding housing opportunities and construction jobs for the Commonwealth's workforce, and by supporting the tourism industry through preservation of the Commonwealth’s historic and natural resources. CPA allows communities to create a local Community Preservation Fund for open space protection, historic preservation, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. Community preservation monies are raised locally through the imposition of a surcharge of not more than 3% of the tax levy against real property, and municipalities must adopt CPA by ballot referendum. - Community Preservation Coalition www.communitypreservation.org Comment [MMJ8]: Committee or commission? Committee is used above. Comment [EM9]: Should it be a goal to make 1940 a moving date for the demolition delay bylaw (age of the structure and not a fixed year)? For example, I believe that to be considered for the National Register of Historic Places, a structure must, in most cases, be at least 50 years old (1969 today). Comment [MMJ10]: This concept is worth including, but it is unclear whether this is an “issue” or “need”
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 3 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT reuse, as is can be difficult to make physical improvements that respect the historic significance of a structure or site while providing modern amenities and meeting 21st century building codes. These projects require developers and individuals with money, time, technical resources, and, above all, vision. Importantly, the Town has played a significant role in two complex adaptive reuse projects with the Paul Revere Heritage Site and Pequitside Farm. Moving Forward [SUGGEST BRIEF INTRO STATING THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTION WILL LIST VARIOUS SUGGESTIONS FOR HOW TO PROTECT THESE RESOURCES; POSSIBLY INCLUDE A LIST OF THE FORTHCOMING FOCUS AREAS; FOR EXAMPLE: Looking ahead, there are several things the Town can do to protect its Historic Resources, including: (1) prioritizing resources for designations; (2) using local tools to promote preservation; and (3) investing in public awareness campaigns] Prioritize Resources for Designation The Town recognizes the a vast large number of historic sites and structures in the community. Prioritizing additional? historic resources for protection can help use available technical and financial resources strategically and efficiently. Moving forward, the Town will: 1. Identify, assess, and prioritize properties for new local historic districts and/or listing properties on the State or National Registers of Historic Places. Use Local Tools to Promote Preservation The Demolition Delay Bylaw provides time for property owners and the Town to explore options before historically valuable structures are demolished. There are other local tools the Town can use to help protect local resources, such as ….. Moving forward, the Town will: 1. Identify opportunities and propose projects for CPA funds to acquire, rehabilitate, or otherwise preserve important historic resources. 2. Develop incentives for private property owners to invest in and maintain historic structures. These Such incentives may include property tax relief, providing zoning relief, and grants and low-interest loans for rehabilitation work. 3. Recognize that historic preservation efforts can conflict environmental and energy efficiency goals but educate property on techniques for making historic structures more energy efficient.2 Increase Public Awareness The Town recognizes that it must continue to promote Canton’s historical resources, programs, and initiatives to its residents. Moving forward, the Town will: 2 https://savingplaces.org/stories/8-ways-to-green-your-historic-house#.XSydQuhKiUk Comment [EM11]: This probably should read “as it” instead of “as is”. Comment [MMJ12]: Tilden House? Formatted: Normal Comment [EM13]: Add the word “of”. Comment [MMJ14]: Should? Will? Comment [MMJ15]: Can we break this into at least 2 bullets? Comment [EM16]: Add the word “with”.
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 4 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT 1. Partner with the Canton Historic Commission, Canton Library, and Canton Historical Society to build public knowledge of local historical figures and events. 2. Install more comprehensive signage, wayfinding, and pedestrian infrastructures in the Canton Corner Historic District. 3. Use diverse media, including lectures, visual and performing arts, and social media to provide a range of educational opportunities for residents. 4. Encourage the schools to weave local history into the curriculum to the degree possible. Arts & Culture Arts and culture strengthen communities and make them interesting places to live, work, and visit. While these resources bring opportunities for creative experiences, space for artists, and ways to connect with others, they can also be economic drivers, promote diversity, and inspire change. [SUGGEST INCLUDING A MORE ROBUST OVERVIEW IN EACH OF THESE SECTIONS THAT FORECASTS WHAT EACH OF THE SUBPARTS WILL SHOW] Issues & Needs [SUGGEST DEFINING THE ISSUE/NEED/PROBLEM/FOCUS AREA RIGHT UP FRONT; AS WRITTEN, THIS JUMPS RIGHT INTO THE MEASURES IN PLACE FOR PROTECTING THOSE NEEDS WITHOUT PROVIDING MUCH CONTEXT.] Existing Resources Several resources currently exist for… such as… The Canton Cultural Council makes grant money available for local cultural activities in the community. Grants support a variety of artistic projects and activities, including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances, workshops, and lectures. To date inIn 2019, it distributed $5,500 in grants for… .3 Many other town departments focus on bringing cultural opportunities to Canton residents as well. 3 https://www.mass-culture.org/Canton Local Cultural Council Program The Canton Cultural Council is part of a network of approximately 330 local cultural councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The Local Cultural Council Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. - Mass Cultural Council www.massculturalcouncil.org/communities/loc al-cultural-council-program/ Local Cultural Council Program The Canton Cultural Council is part of a network of approximately 330 local cultural councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The Local Cultural Council Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. - Mass Cultural Council www.massculturalcouncil.org/communities/loc al-cultural-council-program/ Local Cultural Council Program The Canton Cultural Council is part of a network of approximately 330 local cultural councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The Local Cultural Council Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. - Mass Cultural Council www.massculturalcouncil.org/communities/loc al-cultural-council-program/
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 5 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT Examples include the Canton Public Library (lecture series, art exhibits), Canton Parks and Recreation Department (summer concert series), and Canton Public Schools (school plays). There are many local arts and community organizations that bring the visual and performing arts and cultural events to Canton, including the Canton Art Association, Canton Community Theater, and Museum of American Bird Art. Asset Inventory and Mapping Canton has listings of its historic places and its open spaces, but it lacks a comprehensive inventory of all its arts and cultural assets. The Baseline Report of this Master Plan includes these individual inventories and a preliminary list of local cultural institutions, but an asset inventory and map developed collectively by the community would establish the foundation from which to connect and grow the arts in Canton. One outcome of an asset mapping exercise may be the establishment of a local cultural district. 4 A district can take on many forms but requires staffing and funding to be successful. Districts not only support arts and culture in a community, but also create economic opportunities by promoting local resources and businesses. It can also incentivize cultural uses or makerspaces in a district through local zoning. 4 http://artsandplanning.mapc.org/cultural-district-management-strategies/ Comment [EM17]: Are there benefits of having a local cultural district beyond inventory, recognition, and favorable zoning? Does it make providers of cultural activities, cultural assets, or the town itself more likely to obtain any public (example: National Endowment for the Arts, etc.), private grants, or other funding to support cultural institutions? Can they overlap with Historic Districts? Comment [MMJ18]: If the map below is just an exemplar, I’d note that somewhere. It’s also somewhat hard to read. Can we somehow blow up the legend so it’s clearer?
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 6 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT Arlington, MA, Cultural District map highlighting its cultural assets. Arlington, MA, Cultural District map highlighting its cultural assets.
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 7 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT Moving Forward Focus on Placemaking The Town recognizes that understanding and supporting its arts and cultural assets can lead to rich and diverse experiences for those who live, work, and find entertainment in Canton. Moving forward, the Town will: 1. Bring community partners together to develop an inventory and map of Canton’s cultural assets, including art, historic, and natural resources. This process identifies concentrations of resources, parts of the community that have fewer assets, and opportunities to link these resources with employment areas and neighborhoods. 2. Based on the inventory, determine the benefits of establishing a cultural district in Canton. 3. Continue to distribute financial resources through the Canton Cultural Council to support programming and capacity of Canton’s arts community. 4. Work with local art groups to identify places for public art, both permanent and temporary installations. Arlington, MA, Cultural District map highlighting its cultural assets. Comment [MM19]: General comment: it might be nice to have some photos of local resources embedded.
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Canton Master Plan | Master Plan 8 July 25, 2019 DRAFT PROTECT What if we built our communities around places? As both an overarching idea and a hands-on approach for improving a neighborhood, city, or region, placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution. With community-based participation at its center, an effective placemaking process capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, and it results in the creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people's health, happiness, and well-being. - Project for Public Spaces www.pps.org What if we built our communities around places? As both an overarching idea and a hands-on approach for improving a neighborhood, city, or region, placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution. With community-based participation at its center, an effective placemaking process capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, and it results in the creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people's health, happiness, and well-being. - Project for Public Spaces www.pps.org What if we built our communities around places? As both an overarching idea and a hands-on approach for improving a neighborhood, city, or region, placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution. With community-based participation at its center, an effective placemaking process capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, and it results in the creation of quality public spaces that contribute to people's health, happiness, and well-being. - Project for Public Spaces www.pps.org