HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-10-2014 Transfer - Design Standards and Guidelines_201409041504049126 TOWN OF
1630 WATERTOWN
Office of the Town Manager
Administration Building
- 149 Main Street
r Watertown,MA 02472
Phone:617-972-6465
Michael J.Driscoll Fax:617-972-6404
Town Manager wwwnvatertown-ma.gov
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To: Honorable Town Council �_-
From: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
Date: September 4, 2014
RE: Agenda Item—Transfer of Funds Request
Enclosed please find correspondence from Steven Magoon, Community Development&
Planning Director/Assistant Town Manager regarding Design Standards and Guidelines.
Therefore, as a follow up to discussion at the July 22nd Special Town Council Meeting and
August 12`h Town Council Meeting and in accordance with the related policy guidance from the
Honorable Town Council, I respectfully request the attached transfer be placed on the September
10, 2014 Town Council Agenda.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
cc: Steven Magoon, Community Development &Planning Director/Assistant Town Manager
Planning Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
Mark R. Reich, Esquire, Kopelman and Paige, P.C.
Thomas J. Tracy, Town Auditor
Raeleen Parsons, Purchasing Agent
TRANSFER AMOUNT $63,500
FROM: FY 15 Town Council Reserve $ 63,500
0111152-570780
TO: FY 15 Comm. Dev. & Planning - Contracted Services $ 63,500
0118152-530303
1 hereby certify to the availability, authority of funding source, mathematical accuracy
and appropriate fiscal year. _
DATE/ / TOWN AUDITOR
Town of Watertown
Department of
1630 Community Development and Planning
Administration Building
1 149 Main Street
Watertown, MA02472
h r .
(617) 972-6417
FAX(617)972-6484
To: Michael J. Driscoll, Town Manager
From: Steve Magoon,DCDP Director, Assistant Town Manager
Date: September 4, 2014
Subject: Design Standards and Guidelines
As you are aware, the Honorable Town Council held a Special Meeting on July 22, 2014 to
discuss a citizen petition for a moratorium on development in the Arsenal Street corridor. At that
meeting staff presented a proposal to pursue design standards and guidelines with a consultant as
an alternative to a moratorium. At this Special Town Council meeting, the Honorable Town
Council unanimously approved the concept of developing Design Standards and Guidelines for
the Town. The Administration was directed to develop a scope of work and a budget for the
August 12, 2014 Town Council Meeting (see attached August 7, 2014 correspondence).
The Honorable Town Council at their August 12, 2014 meeting, unanimously requested that the
Administration prepare a proposal with a consultant to develop the design standards and
guidelines based on the scope presented and amended by Council that night (see attached excerpt
from August 12, 2014 Town Council Minutes).
Subsequent to the August 12, 2014 Council meeting, the attached scope was amended to reflect
Council's direction given at that meeting. The Council also made it clear there needs to be a
substantive public participation component, but also the desire to complete the project as quickly
as possible in order to have it address any future development projects that may come forward.
Since the August 12°i meeting, staff had several conversations with design professionals gaining
insight about appropriate consultants and how to best approach the work.
I approached a couple of larger firms and found that to do the scope of work; with the short
timeframe, public meetings needed, and in the price range suggested; it would require much more
work on the part of Town staff, or a scaled down product. I also contacted smaller design firms,
including David Gamble. Mr. Gamble's proposal presents the best package for the desired cost
range with a substantial public involvement process that will ensure a successful product. As a
result I have attached a proposal from Gamble Associates for a not to exceed price of$63,500.
Mr. Gamble is familiar with Watertown and the issues the community has been dealing with as
both a resident and as part of the consultant team that developed the Strategic Framework for
Economic Development. He is a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, has
prepared similar regulations for other communities, and has served on the design review panel
for another jurisdiction. My consultation with other design professionals has been positive in
relation to his skills and abilities.
Mr. Gamble has submitted the attached project proposal that would complete work by the end of
the calendar year. The fee he has proposed is a maximum of$63,500, with$58,500 in
professional services, and no more than$5,000 in expenses. Therefore, I would respectfully ask
for favorable consideration of the proposal and the funding necessary to begin work as soon as
possible.
Cc: Planning Board
Zoning Board of Appeals
Mark R. Reich, Esquire, Kopelman and Paige, P.C.
Thomas J. Tracy, Town Auditor
Raeleen Parsons, Purchasing Agent
e
Town of Watertown
Department of
1630 Community Development and Planning
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown,MA02472
(617)972-6417
FAX(617)972-6484
To: The Honorable Town Council
Michael J. Driscoll,Town Manager
From: Steve Magoon, DCDP Director,Assistant Town Manager
Date: August 7, 2014
Subject: Design Standards Scope of Services
At the Special Town Council meeting on July 22, 2014,the Honorable Town Council
unanimously approved the concept of developing Design Standards and Guidelines for the
Town. The Administration was directed to develop a scope of work and a budget for the
August 12, 2014 meeting. Attached to this memo is a draft scope of work.
I have had discussions with a number of design firms and would suggest that a $50,000 fee
would be the minimum amount appropriate to complete this task and to do so in a manner
that will encompass the objectives of the Town. The Council also placed a priority on
completing this task in a timely fashion and it is important to include public participation.
Therefore, I would expect that this effort will take a minimum of three to four months to
complete. In order to minimize the timeframe, I would suggest a sole source procurement
for the project.
I appreciate the opportunity to present this information and look forward to the Honorable
Town Council's conversation and guidance.
DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
SCOPE OF WORK
Background
Located six miles west of Boston,with a population of 31,915 in just 4 square miles,Watertown has
many local retail,cultural, and natural assets while enjoying the advantages of a diverse metropolitan
area and regional economy. Watertown's amenities include regional destinations such as the Charles
River Greenway,the Arsenal Center for the Arts,and the historic Mount Auburn Cemetery(a national
landmark). Along with the cultural and natural attractions,the community has a balance of residential
neighborhoods and retail centers and a strong transportation network.
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Founded in 1630,Watertown was initially an agricultural community, later becoming a residential and
manufacturing center. The innovative re-use of old industrial sites along the river and former rail
corridor provides flexible options for the perfect blend of business and residential scenarios as the
community plans for the future. New and proposed development also fits into and supports the existing
network of squares and multi-modal corridors that make Watertown a well-connected and attractive
place to work and live.
Current demands for economic and residential development fit within the historic framework of the
town,supporting Watertown as a desirable place to locate within the greater Boston region. Indications
of the economic turn-around include the continued investment within the historic Arsenal on the
Charles and Pleasant Street corridors. Over the course of the previous years a project at 140 Pleasant
Street was approved for 44 residential units,a project at 270 Pleasant Street was approved for 170
residential units along with 1,600 square feet of commercial space, a 7-unit rowhouse was approved at
192 Pleasant Street,and more recently projects have been approved including a 65 unit project -
between Bacon and Howard Streets that includes a potential for an 80 seat restaurant and live-work
units, a mixed-use project at 202-204 Arsenal Street with 297 units and 40,000 square feet of retail,and
a 148 room hotel on Arsenal Street,
This Scope of Work is being prepared in part due to the number of recent large-scale developments in
Watertown, particularly in the Arsenal Street and Pleasant Street Corridor District. There has been
considerable public input into the review of these projects with regard to zoning conformance and
design review. Significant issues discussed by the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as by
the public at the Board meetings and hearings included the transition from the new development to
adjoining established residential neighborhoods,the creation of meaningful public spaces,appropriate
scale and massing along street frontages to create pedestrian friendly spaces,street furniture,
landscaping and signage. It is important that the new projects that are developed help to build on
Watertown's considerable sense of community, and not detract from it.
Introduction
The proposed Scope of Work includes research of Watertown's architecture and urban design traditions
within the regional context and an analysis of existing Town regulations and design guidelines. The
final products will be Design Standards to be incorporated in zoning, and an accompanying Design
Guidelines Manual, which will include design objectives and guidelines, diagrams, photographs and
other information necessary to clearly illustrate appropriate design principles for buildings,
storefronts, streetscapes, landscapes, site plans and signage. The Design Guidelines Manual will be'
distributed to building owners and potential developers for use when constructing and/or improving
their property or building.
Focus of Scope of Work
A key focus of the Scope of Work is on formulating Design Standards and a Design Guidelines Manual that
looks at two distinct types of development and redevelopment that has recently occurred and that may
occur in Watertown based on existing zoning and design guidelines.
One is small scale commercial or mixed-use projects. These types of projects generally occur in
Watertown's Squares and Corridors were commercial uses are allowed.
The other is large-scale mixed-use, residential and commercial projects. These types of projects generally
occur in Watertown Square,the Arsenal Street corridor and the Pleasant Street Corridor District.
Phase Meetings
The project consists of three phases. The consultant will meet with Planning Director and staff
for a kickoff prior to the beginning of Phase I to review project scope and products. The Planning
Director and staff will also meet at the end of Phase II before starting Phase III to review products and
evaluate project progress, in addition to ongoing communication during the duration of the project.
Timeframe
The scope of the project is split into the following three(3)phases:
PHASE I fApproximatefy 4 weeks)
TASKS:
• Meet with the Planning Director and staff to discuss the activities and events that
have led to the creation of this project,and to discuss Scope of Work and to assess the
available documentary materials (maps, existing guidelines and manuals, public
information, other examples of successful design standards and guidelines etc.)
• Review documents,including plans and photographs and obtain representative
examples to include in the final draft of the manual.
• Meet with stakeholders to introduce the Scope of Work and receive input on the project
and discuss the issues that the Design Standards and Design Manual should address. The
public participation component is critical to the success of this project and a plan for
outreach will be required.
• Assess design guidelines and manuals from other communities that represent good
examples and are applicable to Watertown and review them with the Town.
• Obtain photographs that reflect appropriate design and examples of new
development that integrate into the context of each commercial area.
• Document each area with digital color photographs as necessary to record existing
conditions and important historical resources.
PHASE I PRODUCTS:
• Draft maps
• Summary of collected materials
• Community engagement
PHASE Il (Approximately 6 weeks)
TASKS:
• Prepare draft narrative that summarizes the character, development patterns,
historic resources and existing conditions in the typical areas specified in Watertown.
• Prepare preliminary Design Standards that address site planning,transitions between
new development and established neighborhoods,building design, building massing
and scale,street scape and furniture,landscaping,creation of public spaces,and
signage for inclusion in the Zoning Ordinance.
• Prepare preliminary Design Guidelines that illustrate the proposed Design Standards:
diagrams, photographs, and renderings.
• Meet with the Planning Director and staff to review draft Design Standards and Design
Manual.
• Meet with the Planning Board to review the draft Design Standards and Design Manual.
PHASE II PRODUCTS:
• Draft Design Standards and Design Guidelines Manual that includes photographs,maps,
illustrations, narrative descriptions and other methods of illustrating the Design
Standards
• Evaluate test case response to the proposed standards
PHASEIII (Approximately 3 weeks)
TASKS:
• Prepare final draft of the zoning amendments that incorporate the design standards
and a draft of the design manual that incorporates all comments and present to the
Planning Board and Town Council for approval before final printing.
• Provide options for future printing and distribution to maximize shelf life.
PHASE III PRODUCTS:
• Final Design Standards and Design Guidelines Manual(one electronic copy suitable for
printing,and 50 hard-copies)with the appropriate acknowledgements.
Excerpt from August 12, 2014 Town Council Minutes
6. INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION:
a) Informational Presentation and consideration of a Design Standards Scope of Set-vices—
Steven Magoon, Director, Community Development and Planning/Assistant Town Manager.
Following Mr. Magoon's presentation the Chair opened up the meeting for comments/questions
from Councilors.
Councilor Falkoff asked how a consultant will be selected. Mr. Magoon stated that he has several
in mind and that an RFP process will not be undertaken.
Councilor Falkoff asked that Mr. Magoon elaborate on the design standards. Mr. Magoon stated
that there will be design standards for smaller scale projects and one for larger scale projects and
that the town would look to expand the guidelines in other situations but that it will not be
proposed to deal with specific, defined areas of town.
Councilor Falkoff stated that she may not feel comfortable with that but will hold her comments
until later.
Councilor Kounelis asked about the east end.Mr. Magoon stated that there will be no particular
area of town but any area of town where such standards and guidelines are needed for
commercial and mixed uses.
Councilor Kounelis asked about the outreach with respect to Phase I and Phase II. Mr. Magoon
stated that it will be open ended and that the town will be performing a lot of the public outreach
due to cost and time with some assistance from the consultant.
Vice President Corbett stated that he generally supports the proposal; and asked what are some
of the other communities that have design and guideline standards. Mr. Magoon stated Dedham,
Somerville, and Cambridge.
Councilor Lenk concurred that public outreach is very important. She further noted that there is a
difference in design guidelines with respect to "build environments" and she would like that
included with specifies; to strengthen the proposal.
Councilor Palomba stated that he appreciated the Council President's letter to the Planning
Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals and asked what the main difference is between a
standard and a guideline. Mr. Magoon stated that guidelines are more important as it is a visual
and meaningful example or explanation of what we are trying to achieve or what we expect;
whereas a standard is ordinance language.
Councilor Palomba asked that incentives be included for the guidelines so that developers abide
by them in a more formal way.
Excerpt from August 12, 2014 Town Council Minutes
Councilor Piccirilli asked about the timeframe for hiring a consultant. Mr. Magoon stated by the
end of the year.
Councilor Dushku asked if the consultant will work from the Town Hall or work from an outside
office. Councilor Dushku also state that he values diversity of thinking. Mr. Magoon stated that
the consultant will work from his/her own office. He reiterated his vision of the hiring process.
The Chair referenced a proposal by CVS and noted that perhaps that situation would fall under
the guidelines rather than having a cookie cutter approach. The Chair further noted another
project; a proposed indoor recreational facility; and again,perhaps that could fall under a design
guideline as well.
Councilor Falkoff concurred with the proposed hiring process for the consultant as making sense.
She further stated that she concurs with Councilor Lenk's comments about more information in
the guidelines with respect to context. Mr. Magoon agreed.
Councilor Palomba stated that there are a number of people living in Watertown that are very
qualified and that you take into consideration their feedback and expertise. Mr. Magoon stated
that he will do that.
Councilor Lenk stated that this is a very good opportunity here and that she urged to move away
from the cookie cutter approach;to connect spaces and improve the character of the town.
Councilor Piccirilli moved to proceed with design scope as presented, seconded by Councilor
Woodland.
Councilor Palomba asked as a friendly amendment; councilors comments be incorporated,
seconded by Councilor Falkoff,
The Manager indicated that the Council will not be voting on the money aspect tonight; and that
he will come back with a formal document in September.
On the amendment, it was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Aaron Dushku, Susan G.
Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J. Piccirilli,Jr„
Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President Mark S. Sideris
voting in the affirmative.
On the Main Motion as amendment, it was adopted by unanimous voice vote with Aaron
Dushku, Susan G. Falkoff, Anthony Palomba, Angeline B. Kounelis, Cecilia Lenk, Vincent J.
Piccirilli,Jr.,Kenneth M. Woodland, Vice President Stephen P. Corbett and Council President
Mark S. Sideris voting in the affirmative.
DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
REVISED SCOPE OF WORK
Backeround
Located six miles west of Boston,with a population of 31,915 in just 4 square miles,Watertown has
many local retail, cultural,and natural assets while enjoying the advantages of a diverse metropolitan
area and regional economy. Watertown's amenities include regional destinations such as the Charles
River Greenway,the Arsenal Center for the Arts, and the historic Mount Auburn Cemetery(a national
landmark). Along with the cultural and natural attractions, the community has a balance of residential
neighborhoods and retail centers and a strong transportation network.
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Founded in 1630,Watertown was initially an agricultural community, later becoming a residential and
manufacturing center. The innovative re-use of old industrial sites along the river and former rail
corridor provides flexible options for the perfect blend of business and residential scenarios as the
community plans for the future. New and proposed development also fits into and supports the existing
network of squares and multi-modal corridors that make Watertown a well-connected and attractive
place to work and live.
Current demands for economic and residential development fit within the historic framework of the
town,supporting Watertown as a desirable place to locate within the greater Boston region. Indications
of the economic turn-around include the continued investment within the historic Arsenal on the
Charles and Pleasant Street corridors. Over the course of the previous years a project at 140 Pleasant
Street was approved for 44 residential units, a project at 270 Pleasant Street was approved for 170
residential units along with 1,600 square feet of commercial space, a 7-unit rowhouse was approved at
192 Pleasant Street, and more recently projects have been approved including a 65 unit project
between Bacon and Howard Streets that includes a potential for an 80 seat restaurant and live-work
units, a mixed-use project at 202-204 Arsenal Street with 297 units and 40,000 square feet of retail, and
a 148 room hotel on Arsenal Street.
This Scope of Work is being prepared in part due to the number of recent large-scale developments in
Watertown, particularly in the Arsenal Street and Pleasant Street Corridor District. There has been
considerable public input into the review of these projects with regard to zoning conformance and
design review. Significant issues discussed by the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as by
the public at the Board meetings and hearings included the transition from the new development to
adjoining established residential neighborhoods,the creation of meaningful public spaces, appropriate
scale and massing along street frontages to create pedestrian friendly spaces, street furniture,
landscaping and signage. It is important that the new projects that are developed help to build on
Watertown's considerable sense of community, and not detract from it.
Introduction
The proposed Scope of Work includes research of Watertown's architecture and urban design traditions
within the regional context and an analysis of existing Town regulations and design guidelines.The
final products will be Design Standards to be incorporated in zoning, and an accompanying Design
Guidelines Manual, which will include design objectives and guidelines, diagrams, photographs and
other information necessary to clearly illustrate appropriate design principles for buildings,
storefronts, streetscapes, landscapes, site plans and signage, which will encourage a mix of building
results. The Design Guidelines Manual will be distributed widely to building owners and potential
developers for use when constructing and/or improving their property or building.
Focus of Scope of Work
A key focus of the Scope of Work is on formulating Design Standards and a Design Guidelines Manual that
looks at two distinct types of development and redevelopment that has recently occurred and that may
occur in Watertown based on existing zoning and design guidelines.
One is small scale commercial or mixed-use projects. These types of projects generally occur in
Watertown's Squares and Corridors where commercial uses are allowed.
The other is large-scale mixed-use, residential and commercial projects. These types of projects generally
occur in Watertown Square,the Arsenal Street corridor and the Pleasant Street Corridor District.
Phase Meetln¢s
The project consists of three phases. The consultant will meet with Planning Director and staff
for a kickoff prior to the beginning of Phase I to review project scope and products. The Planning
Director and staff will also meet at the end of Phase II before starting Phase III to review products and
evaluate project progress, in addition to ongoing communication during the duration of the project.
Timeframe
The scope of the project is split into the following three (3)phases:
PHASEI (Approximately 4 weeks)
TASKS:
• Meet with the Planning Director and staff to discuss the activities and events that
have led to the creation of this project,and to discuss Scope of Work and to assess the
available documentary materials (maps, existing guidelines and manuals, public
information, other examples of successful design standards and guidelines etc.)
• Review documents, including plans and photographs and obtain representative
examples to include in the final draft of the manual.
• Meet with stakeholders to introduce the Scope of Work,receive input on the project, and
discuss the issues that the Design Standards and Design Manual should address. The
public participation component is critical to the success of this project and a plan for
outreach will be required, and may include several meetings.
• Assess design guidelines and manuals from other communities that represent good
examples that are applicable to Watertown and review them with the Town.
• Obtain photographs that reflect appropriate design and examples of new
development that integrate into the context of each commercial area.
• Document each area with digital color photographs as necessary to record existing
conditions and important historical resources.
PHASE I PRODUCTS:
• Draft maps
• Summary of collected materials
• Community engagement
PHASE II (Approximately 6 weeks)
TASKS:
• Prepare draft narrative that summarizes the character, development patterns,
historic resources and existing conditions in the typical areas specified in Watertown.
• Prepare preliminary Design Standards that address site planning,transitions between
new development and established neighborhoods including the distinct issues of
projects in or around existing residential neighborhoods versus existing commercial
areas, building design, building massing and scale,street scape and furniture,
landscaping, creation of public spaces, open space, pedestrian/bicycle connections,
signage, and consider incentives for performance where appropriate. Prepare draft
language for inclusion in the Zoning Ordinance.
• Prepare preliminary Design Guidelines that illustrate the proposed Design Standards:
diagrams, photographs, and renderings.
• Meet with the Planning Director and staff to review draft Design Standards and Design
Manual.
• Meet with the Planning Board to review the draft Design Standards and Design Manual.
PHASE II PRODUCTS:
• Draft Design Standards and Design Guidelines Manual that includes photographs,maps,
illustrations, narrative descriptions and other methods of illustrating the Design
Standards
• Evaluate test case response to the proposed standards
PHASE III (Approximately 3 weeks)
TASKS:
• Prepare final draft of the zoning amendments that incorporate the design standards
and a draft of the design manual that incorporates all comments and present to the
Planning Board and Town Council for approval before final printing.
• Provide options for future printing and distribution to maximize shelf life.
PHASE III PRODUCTS:
• Final Design Standards and Design Guidelines Manual (one electronic copy suitable for
printing and 50 hard-copies)with the appropriate acknowledgements.
architecture G A M B L E
urban design ASSOCIATES
678 Massachusetts Avenue Suite#502 Cambridge,MA 02139
September 3, 2014
Mr. Steven Magoon
Director of Community Planning& Development
149 Main St. • Watertown, MA
02472
Sent Via Email
DESIGN GUIDELINES+STANDARDS MANUAL
SCOPE OF WORK (Draft)
Over the last 18 months, a great deal of attention has been placed on gathering community
input through the Town's Comprehensive Plan. If Watertown residents truly envision a place
that has"a vibrant and diverse future that builds upon our rich foundation of neighborhoods,
culture, community squares and corridors, civic assets and proximity to the Charles River and
Boston," than the adoption of a set of design guidelines for new construction will help to ensure
that new growth is in keeping with the characteristics which residents cherish.
Residents alone are not the only ones who are passionate about where they live;the broader
development community is also aware of the Town, Development pressures are increasing as
more and more attention is directed to Watertown's intrinsic assets and as lending parameters
become favorable again for development. A number of large transitional sites along Arsenal
Street and Pleasant Street have witnessed development plans which challenge perceived
notions of density and are altering people's perceptions of the respective corridors.
New growth,if not done well, has the potential to undermine the very quality of place that
makes it a Town in which people choose to live,work and play. At the same time, if design
guidelines are too restrictive,they have the potential to thwart redevelopment efforts by
lengthening the review process and scaring away developers. Finding the right balance of
insights and ideas without being too prescriptive lies at the essence of what constitutes a well-
crafted set of design guidelines which are finely tailored to Watertown's needs.
1
PHASE 1a: Document Review and Case Studies (September 15—September 30)
Our initial task is to gain an understanding of the recent developments which have been
proposed or permitted along the Town's primary corridors and commercial centers. We will
meet with the Planning Director and staff in order to discuss the scope of work and
development pressures. We intend to provide the Town with state-of-the-art national,
regional and local research in order to ensure that the fullest range of examples are explored.
We envision this research effort to be forward-thinking and innovative to set a high standard
for new ways of approaching the intersection of building development, landscape design and
neighborhood redevelopment.
Deliverables:
A. Gather local and national precedent examples of Design Guidelines and Standard
Manuals.
B. Update Town base map to reflect recently permitted projects and proposals in the
pipeline for approval.
PHASE 1b: ExistlnR Property Assessment and Areas of Chance (September 15—October 151
An analysis and assessment will be conducted of specific recent development projects. The
assessment will look at the redevelopment of that property in relationship to adjoining sites
and the networks of connectivity that could enhance the Town's open space framework.
Adjoining city-owned spaces, neighboring residential areas and forested or conservation lands
will be considered for integration and/or segregation.
Deliverables:
A. Document areas of transition and sites where development pressures are great in order
to identify viable text case applications of the Design Guidelines.
B. Review Town's existing zoning and identify areas of overlap and/or conflict.
C. Summary of collected materials and lessons learned.
TASK 1c: "Maior Stakeholder" Dwaeement+ Draft Guidelines (Project duration)
We believe that the success of any plan is built on the positive engagement of those who live
and work in a community to create a pedestrian-friendly, safe, and healthy community. Our
work will involve outreach at a number of different levels. In addition to bi-weekly meetings
with the Planning office and monthly updates to the Planning Board,we envision Area-wide
meetings which highlight more localized community pressures and identify barriers to
redevelopment.
2
Comprehensive plans are seen by most people as important in shaping a community's vision for
the future. Unfortunately, Comprehensive Plans lack the appropriate level of detail to
demonstrate the impact of change on sites which are likely to be redeveloped. There are
specific stakeholders in Watertown who warrant additional engagement based either the
proximity to and/or interest in the rehabilitation of various sites. This outreach will focus on
gaining input from specific constituent groups along the Town's primary commercial corridors,
including residential abutters, as well as biking and open space advocates. We anticipate a
process of initial outreach to individuals and small groups to understand the various
perspectives and to generate ideas in a comfortable environment, and then establish
milestones in the process where we can connect with the administration, community groups,
abutters and others to discuss substantive plans generated by the project team.
Deliverables:
Public Meetings:We envision two (2) large community forums and two to three smaller, more
focused sessions around areas that are experiencing rapid change.
A. Brainstorming Meeting: session with presentation of comparable Design Guideline and
Standards Manuals to stimulate discussion;
B. Draft Design Standards: Presentation of design and planning options that focus on
different scenarios(e.g., more restrictive - less restrictive spectrum) and highlight draft
guidelines.
C. Focus-Area meetings (three) in selected geographies. We will work with Planning
Department staff to identify the most appropriate area of study and means of
engagement.
PHASE 2: Draft Guidelines(Tentative deliverable date: December 1)
The Preliminary Design Guidelines will address issues of building design, height, massing and
scale, relationship to primary and secondary streets, open space configurations and
connections, pedestrian/bicycle networks and opportunities for sustainable site features. Note:
Public realm improvements for streetscapes are not included under this Scope of Work.
Streetscape standards largely fall within the public right-of-way, although the interface of
building edge to property line will be studied.
Deliverables:
A. Draft Design Guidelines Manual that includes photographs, maps, illustrations and
narrative descriptions of the types of design and planning decisions which effect how a
project relates to the street and it's local context. This document will be developed in a
manner which easily communicates the intentions to laymen (non-designer or planner)
and can also be accessed and printed digitally in a user-friendly interface.
3
B. Draft Design Standards. Provide draft language as an amendment to Watertown's Code
of Ordinances to provide force of Law for the Scope of Work.
C. Test Case Scenario: Working with a local, current development proposal, demonstrate
the impacts of the project when addressing the Design Guidelines.
PHASE 3. Final Preferred Design Guidelines and Standards Manual IDecember 1 -31)
Design Guidelines are only as effective as the means to enforce them. Ideally,guidelines or
standards are paired with a review process (formal or informal) which holds development
proposals accountable. In the absence of an established review process, developers will see
the guidelines at best as suggestions, or at worse, merely aspirations that when applied to
specific sites render the project infeasible due to issues of scale, circulation, access or cost. It
matters a great deal if the Guidelines use the word "must" or"should"—one is required and
the other is not.
In addition, there is a common tendency in developing Design Guidelines which "go-too-far".
Issues of building style can be largely subjective and are fraught with mis-interpretation. What
is most important are the bigger scale issues such as the relationship of a building to the street,
building height, massing, open space requirements and the location of parking.
A 15 week time frame is aggressive, but doable. A final document is possible by the end of the
year. The biggest variable in determining the amount of time it will take depends on the
method of public engagement and necessary client feedback loops. The "test case" application
of the Design Guidelines will be important and a valuable exercise, as long as the area selected
can still effectuate change and the project(s) under consideration are not too far along to take
the standards/guidelines into account.
Deliverables:
A. Final Design Guidelines and Standards Manual. Provide final Design Guidelines Manual
and zoning language as an amendment to Watertown's Code of Ordinances to provide
force of Law for the Scope of Work. Fifty hardcopies (50) and one electronic copy
suitable for printing.
FEE
The total fee for the professional services identified in the above Scope of Work is a not-to-
exceed amount$58,500 (fifty-eight thousand five hundred dollars). Standard reimbursable
expenses over and above this fee will be no more than $5,000 and include all costs including
printing of the final document.Therefore,the total fee- including reimbursable -will not
exceed$63,500.
4
ATTACHMENTS
Arlington, MA Comprehensive Plan Site Studies (Completed 2014)
Stamford,CT Illustrative Guide to Development along Stillwater Avenue (Completed 2013)
Knoxville,TN Form-Based Code (Completed 2007)
End of Approach.
9/3/14
5
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Plan Width and Siting Definitions
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Orientation: NA
Front Setback• 0'
Frontage of Setback: 75%Min to River Rd,&Sevier Ave,
Side Setback: 25'Max
Hear Setback: 3'Min
Lot Size: 3 Acre max
Building Coverage: 90%Max
Open Space Coverage: 10%Min
PRINCIPA! BUILDING CONFIGURATION:
Building Width,* NA
Building Height Min: A0'&3 Story Min
&hiding Height Max: 30'&7 Story Max plus 20'&2 Story Max at Setback+IV
Footprint/Floor Plate: 30,000 SF Max
This Standard does not apply to the footprint/floor plate used
for structured parking
FLOOD AREA RATIO ( AR): 7 Max
4.5.5