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Board discusses MCI master planning, and wireless bylaw amendment failed at town meeting
Summary
At its May 5 meeting, Concord Planning Board members reviewed the MCI master-planning timeline and consultant engagement, discussed community engagement during a June charrette week, and heard public concern about a failed wireless overlay bylaw; staff noted six other bylaw amendments passed and will be submitted to the Attorney General for review.
The Concord Planning Board spent significant time at its May 5 meeting discussing the upcoming MCI master-planning process, the compressed schedule consultants will follow, and next steps for public engagement.
Chair and staff outlined that consultant-led engagement is scheduled during a June charrette week (June 8–11), which will include open studio sessions and focused meetings with the consultant team and key town staff. Staff said the town meets with the consultant team (DKM referenced in the meeting) every other Friday, and that MassDOT and other agencies are already involved in the initiative.
Board members emphasized that zoning work connected to the MCI redevelopment will likely require the planning board's involvement as the team develops zoning concepts, and that the board should plan to set aside time at meetings for community conversation and to capture feedback for the consultants.
Separately, residents raised concerns about the town meeting process and wireless coverage. Resident Don Kupka said he was "surprised that I had missed so much" of the board's prior work on the wireless item and suggested more collaboration. Resident Gail Hire urged the town to "focus on providing guidance that explains our current rules" for the wireless overlay district so providers and citizens better understand how to submit applications.
Staff also recapped outcomes from the recent annual town meeting: the wireless bylaw amendment did not pass, while six other zoning bylaw amendments passed. Staff said the town clerk will prepare the packet for the Massachusetts Attorney General, noting the AG typically reviews adopted bylaws in about 90 days and can take a 60-day extension; applicants who apply under newly adopted bylaws before AG approval do so at their own risk.
Board members asked staff to provide a goals memo and to identify where the planning board will be most active as the MCI process unfolds. The board plans to discuss next steps and liaison assignments at its next meeting.
