- Meeting Overview
The Town of Arlington Redevelopment Board held a meeting on July 10 to discuss various topics related to the town’s development and community engagement. The board emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement in its decision-making process. - Sign Package Discussion
The main topic of discussion was a sign package proposed for 1309 to 1323 Massachusetts Avenue. The package included six signs, one of which had already been approved administratively. The remaining five signs were presented for the board’s consideration due to their unique characteristics and requirements for relief. The signs were part of an effort to improve and beautify the storefronts of several tenants. The board members had several concerns and suggestions, including the size and placement of the signs, the color scheme, and the number of window signs. The board did not make a final decision during the meeting but agreed to continue discussing the proposed sign package. - Zoning Plans
The committee also discussed the need for more green space and climate resilience in the town’s zoning plans, agreeing to consider these factors in future planning. It discussed the need for more consideration of historic preservation in zoning plans and agreed to schedule a working session to discuss this issue further. - Community Engagement
The committee is transitioning from a phase of collecting community input to a phase of project advocacy. As part of this transition, it is planning to hold meetings with different interest groups in the community. These meetings aim to form focus groups for people with special interests, allowing for more detailed discussions about their interests as they relate to the multi-family zoning requirement of Massachusetts General Law, known as MBTA Communities, pertaining to communities near mass transit. - Inclusionary Zoning
The committee also discussed the topic of inclusionary zoning and its potential impact through special permits. However, no updates were provided during the meeting, and it was suggested that this topic could be discussed further on the 24th. - Executive Session
Towards the end of the meeting, the redevelopment board announced its intention to move into an executive session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining or litigation. The board clarified that an open meeting could potentially have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body. Therefore, a motion was made for the ARB to close the open meeting and go into executive session in accordance with Mass General Law Chapter 49, Section 23B. The motion was seconded and approved through a roll call vote.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T4Xb6lQsLA