Norwood
40R Smart Growth Overlay District
In South Norwood, LKA working with Attorney Mark Bobrowski, prepared the first 40R Smart Growth Overlay District to be approved by the State. The St. George Avenue District will permit the renovation of three church properties into 15 multifamily housing units of which 15% will be affordable.
South Norwood is an important commercial gateway into the Town and the crossroads of a neighborhood district. In addition to presenting a relatively worn appearance, the mix of businesses and underutilized properties gave the district a sense of potential decline. LKA headed a team that included Bluestone Planning Group, Todreas Hanley Associates, Inc., and Howard Stein-Hudson Associates to develop a consensus vision and action plan for the district. Work sheets were designed identifying a series of alternative tasks that addressed nine key strategies. Consensus was developed around an action plan. With the support of the Selectmen, town capital and federal community development funding was obtained to carry out the work plan. Local zoning was modified at Town Meeting.
Larry Koff & Associates facilitated the formation of an Interim Housing Committee, and guided the committee through a planning process which led to adoption of a Vision/Action Plan which enabled the town to obtain Housing Certification by DHCD. The Town of Norwood utilized this strategy to gain the Selectmen's support in the appointment of a Housing Committee which reviews projects before they are presented to the Planning Board. Guidelines for affordability were established and new developments negotiated with an affordable housing component. Through the EO418 Community Development Planning process, Norwood developed a more specific housing strategy to address a range of incomes and housing needs.
Washington Street Transit Oriented District Vision/Action Plan
Larry Koff & Associates headed a team which developed an award-winning Vision/Action Plan for a deteriorated mixed use transit-oriented district impacted by the growth of strip commercial uses located on the edge of town. The team facilitated consensus around a market- focused revitalization vision of restaurants and home decorating specialty shopping. Support obtained from selectmen, town meeting, and the private sector for a broad variety of planning initiatives. A steering committee and a reorganized merchant association were established to lead the implementation program. A set of recommendations for Town owned liquor licenses, regulatory and zoning reform, building renovation, marketing, and streetscape improvements was carried out.
Funding of this plan ($3.1 M) has spurred over $20 million dollars in private investment, including retail, restaurants, and new housing. To date, eight buildings containing over 34 storefronts have been rehabilitated with the help of matching grants. New zoning was approved permitting the construction of a 105-unit apartment building within easy walking distance of an MBTA commuter rail station. This development will double the population currently living in the downtown area. PWED funding supported the construction of streetscape improve-ments for the downtown. Wine and Beer licenses controlled by the town were utilized to leverage the construction of five restaurants located in newly renovated structures.
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