Planning and Community Development
Welcome to the Department of Planning and Community Development website!
Please browse through links to the left to find information about upcoming events, development policies, Easton Rules and Regulations, and more. Below, find out what's new!
Queset Commercial District Study
In coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC), the Town of Easton conducted a study of the commercial area along the Route 138 and 123 corridors (click here to see a map of the study area). This area was identified by the Town as a Priority Development Area (PDA) in the South Coast Rail Corridor Plan. Priority Development Areas are generally located within an existing commercial area on or in close proximity to main transportation routes. By designating PDAs, the Town, working through the Planning and Zoning Board, can develop appropriate zoning and design guidelines that promote economic development, employment and affordable housing.
The Queset Commercial District study explored ways to promote a suitable balance of new commercial and residential development within the district. Particular attention was paid to design guidelines and roadway standards that promote public accessibility, while retaining the overall look and feel of Easton’s “small-town” character. Outcomes of the study include recommendations for improved site design, bike and pedestrian connections, improved traffic circulation, and enhanced street landscaping and lighting.
Two stakeholder meetings were held with the Town’s Planning Department staff, OCPC representatives and local businesses and residents to get input on possible recommendations for development and improvement and to discuss potential constraints. The recommendations made in the study will form the basis of a new zoning overlay for the area.
Concept drawings representing potential redevelopment roadway improvements may be viewed by clicking on the links below. Keep in mind the drawings are only illustrating what might be possible if the proposed recommendations are adopted and do not represent any projects currently being considere).
Washington Street – pedestrian view 1
Washington Street – pedestrian view 2
Washington Street – pedestrian view 3
Washington Street oblique aerial
Belmont Street pedestrian improvements
December 20, 2011
Reuse of the Closed Prospect St. Landfill for Renewable Energy
Background: In the Fall of 2010, the Town of Easton met with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to discuss potential reuse of the closed landfill property for the development of solar energy facilities. The State generally encourages this type of use and provided technical assistance and guidance on next steps. In the Spring of 2011, the Planning and Zoning Board held several Zoning Subcommittee meetings and a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to the Zoning Bylaw that would allow ground-mounted solar facilities at the closed Prospect Street Landfill, Southeastern Technical Regional Vocational High School and Town-owned Water Department land. The changes to the Zoning Bylaw were approved at May 2011 Annual Town Meeting.
Solar Request for Proposals (RFP) Process: The Town submitted a Notice of EMS Procurement and a copy of the RFP to DOER for review. The DOER issued an Acknowledgement of Receipt stating that the Town’s submittal was complete and could be published. The Town then published the RFP in the Central Register and on the Town’s website. A community meeting was held on October 11, 2011 to discuss the status of the RFP process and to receive feedback. The Town received five proposals in response to the RFP from interested firms. The proposals were opened publicly on November 2, 2011 and reviewed by an internal review committee. The committee reviewed the proposals based on the evaluation criteria included in the RFP which included the following: completeness of the proposal; consultant experience and project approach; project schedule; and proper certification.
Designated Developer: On November 28, the Board of Selectmen voted to designate Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. as the preferred developer. The developer will continue to work with the Town in order to finalize the conceptual design plans which will be reviewed by the Town’s consulting engineer. The process to finalize the design plans will include an additional community meeting to receive input on the proposed design of the solar array.
If you have any questions, please contact Brad Washburn at 508.230.0643 or bwashburn@easton.ma.us.
December 21, 2011
Field Workshop at Clifford G. Grant Management Area
A workshop and field walk is planned by the Easton Conservation Commission to discuss forest stewardship and conservation practices and review the recommendations of the forest stewardship plan recently developed for the Clifford G. Grant management area. The workshop will begin at the Clifford G. Grant Management Area and will continue on to Wheaton Farm Management Area.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held on Saturday, September 17, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Meet at the Clifford G. Grant Management Area entrance (near the sign, located behind the Oliver Ames High School on Lothrop Street).
August 22, 2011
Questions? Looking for something you don't see? Call our office at 508-230-0630, or email the Director of Planning & Community Development, Bradford Washburn.