Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-11-2014 Comprehensive Plan powerpoint presentation_201403060954385314 Watertown 2014 Comprehensive Plan ■ dim wtiIL jV . { ■ J I F y March 4, 2014 Town Coun i I Town of Watertown QVanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Agenda • What we heard • What we learned • What the Plan says — Vision — Land Use • Goals • Illustrations • Recommendations • Next steps • Discussion What we heard f 1W AO 40 14 16 - - 4 Assets Lad Independent Businesses �, ■ a Small Taws Feeling Walkability Proximit to Boston Poler►tial People CommundysOrd Proximity toRM w, h—t 7u�iio Transportation Me Path COMMU nitY River Path NeighborhoodsC1 C Charles€liver ensity 4,w LrbCaCy D The A►ts u U., r � a a � I o [I Diversit How do we preserve and enhance our assets? Issues ityTraff ic Green Space aeDensi 1...k,,fi 1.. f,tI ARiq 71 Bus Horrible Cammutily ■ lirtktRd 6i4Crsily tRrUEic E1kes Nigh Tam,over-Pavia oRe air latertbwn Square � �I[■ Srw+r Clearing OrasswAks �;ghharlimllc5-yang Too many apartments No town engneer Open r I 1 I Socal Supporf Infrastructure Social 5e�vices Mi ResidenWIlnduslrW Tr2� Downtown lack of Creati+rty TrBttspo Mion Palm OverPersonality Otso*r Walkab ility No Ocar Omit Own Sidewalks -,Inning t"i ytimsPcclik ,F, lio VisNm'L hd4 ?:+ndtrrutt'55 laca Transit [our u`I^i.iri�r. 5drahle Aarerty Idafial Lack of street Curbs • .2roject Website Faceboo http://www.vhb.com/watertowncompplan/ facebook Plan Process ..��.m Public Participation Component •itrC.. ��!�W./f�hu..e nrtl�� w TYaA,lra•n rti. .RN.d+rN �wr�.�■.a.YMu�r.n�,+nr.e. `n ♦Fe...4r�nii ar+F+1�Is .Mar.. rww�LnYl�ranrl■rs.rb Watertown 2013 Comprehensive Plan e.r6.. ■-I A..rfe R'TIrIN+■...rw 14.r.. -�r :i W rw.L.i J.a gr.r.inrl.rrlr•I�.S...R�.p�....•a rs-yen re n a ' a.Txbmk o_oFM.wwavnn xaa mnryY�.re�.•..hrc Tcep.r.w M.n Existing Conditions and Trends Analysis wMwr<Tr.r-...r.ew•w-mr�+e ww+xs.�nw �q'uG� m�W^vrc�emns 1Y.M.A ra!Pmn�w.nv.�v 1 r.rn..n w.dr. •••�••.••+-•� Fl.r.ir. _ww���n 3arerm'nn Zan eonmrefiensve pbnf—o ��.,.._.....+..e.�..�rtm-v.•�•.........,.a.a.w r. �w.d.m,..�n.�a,.r.c.e..�.r.t.,.,.�.,�. - daa� wr Ma ti.mrove.ro�.rrd.r r..u.ruw•--�.e.r.rr To forow z u�[fie Hard 213 ftkftm al presen - ...�,.....>rr+.+.a�r..w�ia e+..�.....-y+...�+..n a.d wPwlb"—u"WM­k hse Deco pb+Pd anthe .r+`..er�Kxsdrrrwe�.+..rrc.morz rcdara...r.aw Hamh 7i vi�bYc lon�ri n.r®.a'.�•+.e.�e+r...wm..�rtwrrrr..r......r..r..n.e a..ar 0ft4fl yMla weOc't■.PM[k R auI hxc � -- re.rrdr.rw p4.eaumn. Draft Comprehensive Plan and implementation ."-"" Strategies Location "�" ' Rite �.... .iwr,. _ ■ e 1, r - Nra<Imlty to Boston sidl 1 1 nN �. a...m sir.wrnee ss..r '+� ■ :.l,Clllr.'i.l;:l": Schools Lack1Street Curbs Location Public Library Exhibit & Dropbox �O' OFAFREHENSIVf Pv - _ r M Cr _ r ft What is Your Vision for the Future of Watertown? • • AndMixer - Envision Watertown Comp Plan AM • An online interactive public forum to share visions and ideas • Top 3 MindMixer site nationwide for highest percentage of active participation THIS TOPIC IS ON FIRE What is your vision for the future of Watertown? 'tit: '' I nteractlons and counting220 ... Join the conversation now. 024 PROJECT DETAILS Visioning Watertown's Future About the Project ) g send How It Works What is your vision for the Ifuture of Watertown? _2 Who's Listening? ) M What is your vision for the future of Watertown? fM tweet; Town of Watertown ) 671 220 �jj 45 Days Remaining Watertown 2013 ' My idea is... :. Comprehensive Plan — st�e ----I Facebmk ) —1— ❑ Creating a Better Watertown —I Select Language --- P-d by( "Ic Translate What is the biggest obstacle to improving quality of life o CONTRIBUTORS in Watertown? Select two problems that you think our w, r� community needs to address first: http:.//www.envisionwatertowncompplan.com/ What learned ' BELMONT •�. i r CAMBRIOGE - - • IF BOSTON NEWTON Pmh:%Wh*4WwLU 12257.00,G&PmlxtllvA ice 1971mxd BELMONT WALTMAM ����i;� �1�� � � CAMBRIDGE fir r�r�u.11lr ;r 65, ' � P + l y �I tar / rn d5lif�r I� ,r vwr ~� a I NEWTON �! \— BOSTON 0 L_�_ Vanasse Hangen grustfin,be. Historical Land Use in Watertown,1971 Land Use Type S°°r`e`MaseGIS May 2013 Crop Land Open Land Multi-Family Residential - Industrial Waste Disposal Corn prehensi-Plan Will Forest Participation Recreation Residential _Urban Open Water wa[erto—,MA JIL_;i Non-Forested Wetland _ Water-Based Recreation -Commercial -Transportation Nate_Road network reflects 2013 oondtions r�rn:�w�aaApw.r-tntius�.oatcisw�kau...,a s�w.��,,,.e �\ BELMONT �p \ WALTHAM / . ■jam `` CAMBRIDGE r NEWTON !y J BOSTON 0° ` Existing Land Use in Watertown, I Land Use Type soame Watertown Assessor's Database May 2013 Single Family _Office Utility - Non-profit and Religious _ State-Other Comprehensive Plan Two Family Indoor Recreationat Facilities Public Service Properties cemeteries Housing Authority Watertown,MA Other Residential _ Outdoor Recreational Facilities Child Care Facilities P Vacant Land-Developable Town-owned - Retait Trade - Manufacturing and Processing Transient Group Quarters -Vacant Land-Undevelopable Other -Automotive Sales and Services _Storage and Distribution Facilities Private Schools -State-DCR Land Use Focus Areas Cooliage quare 71 �-• ���r' SKr ? + -1 �4 Watertown 1 .re 4rsenal Street Corridor Neighborhoods ; K s A . - Challenges Opportunities • Aging housing stock • More community facilities • Conversions • Better maintained trees, roads and sidewalks • Parking ban • Continuation of bike path • Road and sidewalk maintenance • Neighborhood branding program • Pedestrian connections • land use compatibility and density Watertown Square Coolidge Square Watertown Square Coolidge Square • Traffic congestion • Ethnic and cultural diversity • Parking accommodation • Streetscape improvements • Not a destination-need more attractions! • Traffic calming • Pedestrian accessibility • Lack of character • Lack of identity as a town center Charles River Corridor s� rW. . a. .� ` � . •�. �i.� :PCs < ,�-i��r=�s r Challenges Opportunities • Maintenance • Riverfront activities • Water quality • Pedestrian and bicycle circulation • Development along the river • Improved connections • Public access • Wildlife corridor enhancement • Amenities • Educational opportunities • River crossings Pleasant Corridor s� Ahl FA Challenges Opportunities • Density — "Canyonization" • Long term vision • Cohesiveness and character • Enhanced open space and river connections • Connections/views to the River • Improved multi-modal transportation — • Public transportation vehicles, transit, pedestrians, and bikes 3 • � �'�� '�� t'-fir �:�� ,_ Galen Street Corridor Ad t� �art "mod LAW Challenges Opportunities • Traffic congestion • Streetscape enhancements • Pedestrian/bicycle safety • Transit oriented development • Lack of unified character and identity • More amenities at bus station 0 Improved connections to Charles River Main Street Corridor Add! ` . : Ar=M %_Q Challenges Opportunities • Lack of place identity • More mixed-use development • Traffic congestion • More diverse businesses • Land use mix and compatibility • Improved streetscape and pedestrian • Inconsistent design environment • Unfriendly pedestrian environment • Traffic calming 0 Highlight Watertown's rich history }, Mt, Auburn Street J Wi Challenges Opportunities • Land use mix and compatibility • Improved streetscape and pedestrian • Traffic congestion amenities • Pedestrian/bicycle safety • Mixed-use development • Peak hour bus service • Stronger neighborhood identity • Unified streetscape • Commercial attractions s� Arsenal Street Corridor -,CAU a4A=ti s ram'Az >`3 _ xr,` •s Challenges Opportunities • Land use mix and compatibility • Transformative development corridor • Vehicle dominated • Extend Watertown Square along Arsenal Street • Poor pedestrian environment • Streetscape enhancements • Lack of street trees • Traffic calming • Connect to River and surrounding neighborhoods • Extend bike path 0 Create more open space and parks a . <f +z 3 What the Plan says XIT 4�,w 7 At J- p-r- cow Vision Statement • Use Goals f • Use Recommendations r F, '�A:S4:, •�� A stronger relationship with the Charles River Reservation...... We will enhance access and connections to the river, provide more waterfront activities, and respect the river's ecology and its natural habitat. r ti ham.- ` 4 Commercial squares and corridors that reinforce Watertown as a great place to work and • We will balance development and preservation in ways that distinguish Watertown as well-designed community. ,, �' v - N A. HE UPS 51'OBEMli s„ , I � ! t 1�� M1_s•e.T L�. ■ t ''■ a V y :� . it m= -is•��b� � o�*e�,a� ,-+1� �eseps� r° � +�.�-.1 1 -S Being a leader in innovative economic development..... We will increase the Town's tax base and support diverse and environmentally conscious employment in balance with neighborhood character. elk ,^. NORTH BEACON STREET _ r - ` 4 '' ;'� - THE ARSENAL ON THE CHARLES Vol A r _� ;,;;. 1�= _ .�-. ,�� � - ,� Mom-;.• Being proactive in maintaining public infrastructure and services..... We will continue to support and invest in schools, parks, library, cultural assets and other public infrastructure. f r o ` Celebrating our diverse population, unique neighborhoods and historic and cultural heritage..... We will promote local shopping, eateries, arts and parks. i, . SIDE WINGS&GRILL � RY[H1E'sMa�%,a .{Esss � �rhif � ', 5.5'� �' ry�'�:' -c r ����• ' NA1L5&SPA �TELLA'S Pr -. tom •�!i 393-0333 0334 117.393. — C•eE Pma.C'�twm_5 -3� -eii. � - �'�. .. � '��Vt1-Y+R if' �• kl f� T 1 v�, w✓. 1�►4',• 1l a '�,�� ii�s �.c ti c.. ,`.� � y�� 1 , .�I.=�� sM�l ��a�y �F, '�� N r�Y- ��r ✓ _ / � is 1 � �h 1. . s Being progressive about sustainability..... We will be known as a community that embraces state-of-the-art sustainable practices for the public and private sectors. f Promoting placesOur residents will have access to social services, nutritious and affordable food, and • • ' physically llg ru, y �•' F.. g�f'�Rl- ><- 1�► M ! �y.� \� ,._1�� � -M � Y �:�4 ��_.�"��i/��� _ , .v y # lt� et�•,' y��*A +-t "�� 'I ��rh ,. �Wi !M?8� � �� +y�p.\k�"� � T'F � y� � �' �! tier.=�Y3y��;.•`��� � 'tltF'�Q i eft e i `' j r ti 1 , GoalS Land Use Goal 1 : Address design issues along the major corridors and Watertown and Coolidge Squares that enhances aesthetics while preserving neighborhood character. Goal 2: Through the use of innovative zoning tools, encourage Watertown's business districts to thrive by redeveloping vacant or underutilized parcels and allowing a mix of businesses that attract foot traffic. Goal 3: Identify strategies to develop and maintain economic vitality within major squares and corridors with a diverse mix of innovative business and residential choices. Goal 4: Establish criteria for development along Pleasant Street to ensure projects are sensitive to the Charles River. Goal 5: Maintain existing character of residential neighborhoods. Land Use Vision Watertown 2013 Comprehensive Plan.Strategies BELMONT : '�, CAMBRIDGE !♦ - din ! C� • ' F I' r NEWTON —' n zr�con , I— BOSTON Land Use Vision Areas to Preserve Ji Areas to Enhance Areas to Transform Future Land Use Map . •• ; W*rtown 2013 Comprehensive Plan Strategies •' ' `� BELMONT � ` r WALTHAM .' '• CAMBRfDGE 13 1 1 / ,yam•, , • .' CY.♦ n rl'1.��11• W� ^�'v • • • •vim• ♦ r�t�SANT ST.CORAI90A .• + �� r • ,• ♦`vim.♦�.�.I• • ; .r •• • ARSE NAL ST,EOR'&LDpR I t NEWTON %/ ♦"�''� BOSTON Legend Town Boundaries(Watertown/Others) Established Commercial Squares Low Density Residential Neighborhood Commercial Streets(Watertown/Others) Retail Centers/Blocks Medium Density Residential Regional Mixed Use Open Water Neighborhood and Commuter Connections fi High Density Residential Schools and Community Amenities Open Space in Neighboring Communities fii Residential Mixed Use Industrial Commercial Mixed Use Office/Industrial Mixed Use ®�„r,asv rauohc,r rlrrasrl n.rnrr. • 4 +:, 4 - ', qrEnhancing Watertown Square r�`; as a Vibrant Town Center '; .• `' Watertown 2013 Comprehensive Plan Strategies is .! �_ � •f rvl!� �� r rr f � ' AIIIIIIIIIIIIII er �• ,' it "� / �, r w� ,s '. � '> • 1{ F l o- QReinforce Watertown Square as a Town Center © Strengthen the street edges to encourage walkability and pedestrian activities ' © Make the streets in Watertown Square more connected through F SAI advancing Complete Street strategies { r J r;>._r '••' ' Enhance the sidewalks(walkability/livability) Study Watertown Square to identify transportation enhancements that r z p are possible to enhance traffic,safety,and operations Improve pedestrian links to the river •/" �- ` QDesign and build a multipurpose tra il system Q Enhance the existing riverwalk trail and programming of activities such rFj r. ,,.1 ' . .• _ - I �... .1-ft •. err: as kayak and canoe rentals �* �'•* ensXRLSIT I;, ...1 QStudy parking needs and unlock the development potential forO'dw y.�•f r t'� �j +!"t' ij , Watertown Square Understand and advance infill development opportunities to make r r Watertown Square a more cohesive district of blocks and streets `- : ' " 0— 0 _ 4D Make connections and streetscape improvements on the south side of the river and explore opportunities for the T station for TOD and/or � (' ul imod I enhance 'm t aments r', ,._ -- r� _ ;r. P �' �: Transform Arsenal Street into a Dynamic Mixed-use Corridor 1 P'Wortusvn 2013 Comprehensive Plan Slralegies - � f i - ' . 0 Implement"Complete Street'initiatives.Maximize traffic flow to facilitate growth along the corridor while balancing the needs of 0 Establish incentive bonuses for future development that allows additional stories or building height.Development or density other transportation modes including pedestrians,bicycles and transit.Special considerations should be given to sidewalk widths bonuses could be tied to achieving desired land use mix,activation of ground floor uses,articulation of building form,and the and streetscape amenities and the ability to accommodate either an on-street bicycle lane or cycle track where feasible. inclusion of amenities such as plazas or public realm improvements- ©Enhance the visibility of pedestrian crossings at intersections to improve safety and walkability. Q Work with property owners to identify opportunities to make pedestrian,bicycle and other connections to adjacent areas a long 0 Identify goals and design criteria for streetscape elements such as street trees,plazas,public art and street furniture to help Arsenal Street. brand the corridor and improve itsaesthetic.Developciesign standards forsidewalks with a focuson special enhanced areas at 0 Supplenrentexisting zoning with Architectural Design Guidelinesthat address form,scale,and other designfeatures. intersections. 0 Develop goals and strategies foraccess and parking thatconsider best practicesfor access management of vehicles,and 0 Develop standards for signage,light poles and banners that consider the needs of businesses,vehicles and pedestrians, preferencesfor placement of parking(and parking structures)atthe rearofsites or potentially"wrapped"with development. ©Objectives forsetbacks should beestablishedito create outdoor plazas and public maim improvements thatreinforce Establish goals foractive ground floor uses atkey locations thatwill reinforce pedestrian activities along the corridor. intersections,and pedestrian/bicycle zones.These setbacks could vary toaccommodate a variety ofurban forms such as buildings ® Consider establishing goals and criteria for limited use of parking in the front of buildings at key locations along the corridorto that have special architectural features that project into the corner,orthat recede from the cornerto create a plaza or small square. enhance the pedestrian and public realm. 0 Work with the META to enhance bus stops and bus services along the corridor,byexploring items such as Bus Rapid Translt(BRT), exclusive bus lanes,and setting signal priorities. Note-Thisdiagramisnotsitespenficttdepictsavarietyafstrategies that are contemplated for theArsenalStreetCerridor.Furtherconsiderationbj the Town and amoredetailed ®vuaasseHunReriItrustun,her. assessment wiil be required to determine the Feasibility,ofspecihc streetscape,traffic bicycle pedestrian,and land development improvements that are illustrated above. Define Pleasant Street as an Inviting Riverside Corridor Watertown 2013 Comprehensive Plan Strategies Identify standards for upper level building Potential bonus height for achieving stepbacks and refine/enforce zoning provisions development incentive credits such for bonus height building stepbacks as enhancing public open space to avoid"canyonization"of the corridor and incorporating structured/ underground parking Ensure appropriate building As of right setback from the River to help building heights maintain the natural integraty 54'/5 stories of the Charles River corridor •--------------------------------------------- ..--- --------- ....... .. .r. .... �Gatln Ns Promote conformance with Encourage developments that Promote sustainable Establish goals and Design Guidlines to ensure help increase and strengthen practices such as Low g harmony and consistency sightllnes and pedestrian Impact Development and design criteria for buffer connections to the River to adjacent uses such as in streetscapes,building green buildings to better fences and landscaping characters,and signage manage stormwater, conserve natural resources and reduce development Identify appropriate building stepbacks impact from environmentally sensitive areas such as the River as well as low and medium density residential areas to mitigate potential negative impacts ®uartasse Haflgen BrasUln,InC RecommendationS Land Use -A J Goal 1 : Address design issues along the major corridors and Watertown and Coolidge Squares that enhances aesthetics while preserving neighborhood character. A. Enhance building, parking, and streetscape aesthetics by adding design and landscaping standards to the Limited and Central Commercial district regulations. B. Incorporate `green' building practices to encourage energy efficiency so projects are designed, constructed, and managed to minimize adverse environmental impacts. C. Update the Watertown Square Design Handbook and relevant sections of the zoning ordinance to include signage and street fagades and extend to other business districts. RecommendationS Land Use -A J Goal 2: Through the use of innovative zoning tools, encourage Watertown's business districts to thrive by redeveloping vacant or underutilized parcels and allowing a mix of businesses that attract foot traffic. A. Create a diverse retail mix with shopping and dining choices to encourage foot traffic and browsing of restaurants, cafes, retail boutiques, and bookstores. Consider incentives such as expedited permitting to encourage mixed-use development where appropriate and allow for increased density in Watertown Square. B. Support infill and redevelopment of vacant/underutilized sites. C. The AODD should be revised to create a mixed use gateway to Watertown through the redevelopment of the Arsenal Mall and the expanded Arsenal on the Charles project. These changes include updating the list of allowed uses, changes to the dimensional regulations, new design guidelines that incorporate streetscape improvements, provisions for new public spaces, and building design standards. RecommendationS Use M -' Goal 3: Identify strategies to develop and maintain economic vitality within major squares and corridors with a diverse mix of innovative business and residential choices. A. Develop an inventory of and strategy for reusing vacant or abandoned properties. B. In light of potential redevelopment of targeted areas such as the Arsenal Street corridor and Watertown Square, establish design guidelines appropriate to proactively plan for redevelopment. The guidelines should focus on the building massing, setbacks and streetscape/landscaping improvements along Arsenal St. to ensure an attractive and healthy connection with the street. Parking should be removed to the rear of the buildings. RecommendationS Use M -' Goal 3: Identify strategies to develop and maintain economic vitality within major squares and corridors with a diverse mix of innovative business and residential choices. C. Adopt design guidelines to protect and retain the local historical context (prevailing streetscape and the traditional building styles found in the neighborhoods). D. Consider transit-oriented mixed use development around the site currently occupied by the MBTA yard. It should be zoned for higher density mixed use development with retail uses that cater to the needs of commuters and have reduced parking standards in light of the onsite mass transit connections. RecommendationS Land Use -A J Goal 4: Establish criteria for development along Pleasant Street to ensure projects are sensitive to the Charles River. A. Revise height requirements to the first two stories of a building along the street edge, but require the additional stories (up to five) to be stepped back at least ten feet. Additional stories (no more than seven) should be stepped back 15 feet if certain development enhancements are provided such as historic preservation renovations, providing public and/or visual access to the Charles River, developing a mixed use project, and including greater than the minimum of 10% affordable housing as part of the development, for example. B. Ensure projects are sensitive to the Charles River along Pleasant St. The stepbacks should apply along Pleasant St. and for any buildings on the Charles River side. Increase rear setbacks and landscaping requirements for buildings along the Charles River. RecommendationS Land Use -A J Goal 4: Establish criteria for development along Pleasant Street to ensure projects are sensitive to the Charles River. C. Refine the Pleasant St. Corridor District by identifying areas where mixed-use is mandatory and where only commercial development is allowed. D. Provide development incentives to encourage preservation and restoration of buildings in addition to the other incentives provided in the district. E. Provide for public access, as well as visual corridors, to the Charles River where practicable. F. Seek opportunities to bury utility lines along the corridor. Recommendat 'ionS Land Use Goal 5: Maintain existing character of residential neighborhoods. A. Review zoning requirements for conversions of single- to two-family homes in the CR, SC, T, R.75 and R1 .2 districts to determine whether the locations of such conversions should be specified within those districts. Similar restrictions could be considered in other districts in order to avoid conversions that are out-of-scale when compared to the neighborhood in which the home is located. B. All residential structures should be required to front toward the street and have its main entrance along the frontage. C. Enhance streetscape amenities, crosswalks and traffic calming. D. Continue to require new development to include sidewalks, and to connect to municipal sidewalks where feasible. E. Consider the establishment of additional historic districts. o:; a Next Ste s ✓ Final Public Forum �. ✓ Final draft Plan NORTH BEACON STREET ✓ Plan adoption rTHE ARSENAL ❑N THE CHA RLES - wa � {. .1. oTE: RIIV EST WATERTOW % F p D 01 c ) n r�