Lakeville approves 40R smart-growth overlay, zoning map changes and several budget transfers at special town meeting

Voters at a special Town of Lakeville meeting approved a package of zoning changes and budget transfers that include creation of a 40R smart-growth overlay district tied to a 204-unit project, acceptance of state road funds, a stabilization transfer for a school kitchen steamer and several other transfers to cover unexpected revenue shortfalls.

The 40R-related zoning article, described at the meeting as the "Residences at Lakeville Station Smart Growth Overlay District," passed by voice and counted ballots. Town officials told voters the town will receive a $350,000 zoning incentive payment immediately upon the attorney general's approval of the bylaw; a density bonus tied to the 204-unit project that officials said would total $612,000; and a separately negotiated $300,000 mitigation fee from the developer, for a combined total of $1,262,000 tied to that project.

The overlay and related map amendment also place a list of assessor parcels into the new district and add a zoning section describing roughly 10.87 acres for the overlay. Voters approved the overlay district and map change by the required two-thirds counts. The moderator announced the 40R article passed; tellers reported the vote counts during the meeting.

Officials said the 40R approach provides a different permitting path and some local control compared with Chapter 40B projects, and that state oversight and monitoring by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and other agencies will apply. Kathleen O'Donnell, town counsel, said the inspector general and state housing authorities have increased scrutiny of 40B projects statewide and that 40R…