Acton engages community on revised natural resource protection and zoning initiatives

The Acton Select Board convened on December 16, 2024, to discuss significant updates regarding natural resource protection zoning and the potential implementation of inclusionary zoning in the town. The meeting focused on community engagement efforts aimed at refining zoning regulations to enhance environmental sustainability and promote affordable housing.

The discussion began with an overview of Acton's current subdivision process, which typically allows for the development of individual lots without any requirement for preserving open space. In contrast, the proposed natural resource protection zoning (PCRC) would enable developers to build homes on a portion of the lot while preserving the remainder as open space, aligning with environmentally friendly practices.

A comprehensive public outreach initiative was conducted, gathering community feedback on the proposed changes. The results indicated strong support for preserving open space in residential developments, incentivizing smaller homes, and including affordable housing options. Based on this feedback, the planning team presented a draft concept proposal to the Select Board, outlining a shift to make natural resource protection zoning the default method for subdivisions.

Key proposals included eliminating the current eight-acre minimum lot size requirement, allowing all subdividable parcels to utilize the PCRC bylaw, and enhancing mapping of natural resources to guide development. The board also discussed the potential for smaller homes to be built without the previous restrictions that limited the number of units based on lot size.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine the proposal and gather additional feedback from the community and advisory groups. The Select Board expressed enthusiasm for the direction of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with environmental preservation and community needs. The next steps involve finalizing the proposal for consideration at the upcoming town meeting, with the aim of implementing these changes in a streamlined process.