CBD Zoning & Design Guideline Recommendations

As part of a comprehensive master plan adopted by the Town of Winthrop in 2017, Form + Place made a series of recommendations for improving zoning and design guideline criteria in the Centre Business District [CBD]. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council [MAPC] helped to craft a new CBD zoning regulation in 2014 with the goal of facilitating mixed-use development in the core and promoting a high level of architecture and site design. While the MAPC regulation was designed to streamline project approvals and allow for larger-scale mixed-use development, there were additional criteria that Form + Place felt would guarantee a more vibrant and walkable environment.  Many of the suggestions focus on encouraging development that contributes to the definition of block structure in the center through building siting [completing street-walls], lot coverage and both maximum and minimum building heights. With the Town hoping to facilitate redevelopment on the former Middle School site, it was suggested that a Smart Growth Zoning Overlay District [Chapter 40R] also be considered.