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Sharon planning commission hears survey update, prioritizes affordable housing and arts opportunities
Summary
At a Feb. 25 planning session the Sharon Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed an ongoing community survey and agreed to prioritize affordable housing, selective non-residential uses in residential areas, expanded home-occupation rules, inventorying town-owned properties and short-term artist and cultural activities.
The Sharon Planning and Zoning Commission met on Feb. 25, 2026 at Town Hall to review an ongoing community survey and outline priorities for a 10-year plan. Vice Chairman Hall opened the session at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting ran until 5:43 p.m.
Janell Mullen, who presented the survey, said the questionnaire remains open through March 23 and has drawn 72 responses so far, mostly submitted online. Mullen told commissioners she has been meeting with interested groups and other town boards and will forward drafted materials to commissioners for review as they are prepared.
Ms. Drew, an alternate member, distributed a list of ideas that commissioners discussed. The body coalesced around several early priorities: increasing the town’s role in affordable housing initiatives; allowing limited non-residential uses within some residential districts; broadening the town’s home-occupation rules; producing an inventory of town-owned properties; and creating opportunities for temporary artist and cultural events.
Land Use Administrator Casey recommended the commission meet with Amy Bethge of the Health District to clarify what the Health Code allows and requires for proposals under consideration. Casey also noted some topics fall under the Building/Fire Marshal Office or the Historic District Commission, which would limit or shape local implementation.
Vice Chairman Hall raised a separate concern about state involvement in local zoning, saying the Commission should address the possibility of state changes that could override local authority with Representative Maria Horn. Commissioners did not take a formal vote on that point but flagged it for follow-up.
Members were asked to review the town’s current Regulations before the next planning session and to draft individual lists of ideas that could be synthesized into themes and strategies. Mullen will present compiled survey results at the Commission’s next planning session on March 25, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. The session adjourned at 5:43 p.m.
