Acton officials present Article 31 to make open-space residential development the by-right subdivision method

Alyssa Nickel, a member of the Town of Acton Select Board, presented Article 31 proposing to make Open Space Residential Development known in Acton as Planned Conservation Residential Community (PCRC)the by-right method for new residential subdivisions. The proposal, developed through a town working group, would require developers to set aside a portion of each parcel as protected resource land and adopt new dimensional and landscaping standards while retaining existing density limits.

The measure is intended to preserve natural areas while creating incentives for smaller and more affordable homes. "This article proposes to make open space residential development the by right method for subdivision," Nickel said, describing the product of public engagement and a 2023 grant that supported the working group. If Town Meeting adopts Article 31, the Planning Board would then amend the subdivision rules and regulations to implement the new requirements.

Under current practice and Massachusetts Subdivision Control Law, Nickel said, Actonthrough the Planning Boardadministers a by-right subdivision process that typically divides a parcel into individual lots with a new road to access them. "There is no requirement for any…