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Planning staff outlines long‑range plan, housing work and a possible GC2/GC3 rezoning
Summary
Planning staff told the board the town selected BSC to lead an 18‑month long‑range planning process with public engagement and Cape Cod Commission review; staff also said the Affordable Housing Trust may fund a housing production plan and a new housing coordinator will start June 1. Staff outlined a preliminary idea to reclassify some industrial zoned parcels to commercial GC3 with additional allowed uses and housing.
Planning staff gave an extensive update May 4 on long‑range planning, housing work and a potential zoning adjustment for an industrial area.
Staff said the town issued an RFP and received nine responses, interviewed three firms and selected BSC to lead the long‑range plan. The proposed schedule is roughly 18 months with monthly or biweekly check‑ins with the board, site tours, stakeholder interviews, public open houses and a local landing page and interactive tools for community input. Staff said the plan will require Cape Cod Commission review.
On housing, staff said a Housing Production Plan RFQ drew one responsive firm; the Affordable Housing Trust is expected to consider additional funding and staff does not foresee a problem securing the necessary money. Staff also announced the town has hired a new housing coordinator, who is expected to start June 1.
Staff outlined an informal zoning concept to address an area currently zoned industrial by converting parts to GC3 (general commercial) and GC2 along the highway to allow mixed uses and housing while preserving some industrial rights. Staff discussed differences between GC2 and GC3 (noting that GC3 allows formula retail by right while GC2 requires a special permit) and suggested possible added uses, design guidelines and density bonuses tied to public benefits such as recharge or open space.
Board members asked procedural clarifications; staff said this is an early concept for discussion with landowners and stakeholders and that any formal zoning changes would follow the public‑hearing process.
