West Concord recommendations begin on p. 25, including placing a road along the abandoned railroad right of way that will be the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail)
Minority Report of the West Concord Overlay Committee complaining that the recommendation of this road not coming from the committee.
Historic resources present in West Concord Village as listed in the Massachusetts Cultural Resources Information Systems. There are scores of them, and they're absolutely vital to the wonderful character of the Village.
Articles for April 2008 Town Meeting which will allow for substantial changes in local development.
Why are we rushing to submit a seriously unfinished and flawed plan?
Long-range planning is key -- By Claire Lawton/Guest Commentary, Concord Journal
Preserve Our Village supports this approach.
A call to common sense -- By Mary Wilinsky/Guest Commentary, Concord Journal
This makes a lot of sense to us!
Important Reading
Mass Highway's Requirements for the 25% Design of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, many completely absent to date from our potential submittal. Information from completing these items would have really informed Town Meeting about this project, but they are not there to do so.
Alternatives 5 and 7 are seen as most likely now. Note how they both travel right along the abandoned rail bed where the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is planned to be. Also notice how they both run right through the historic prison cemetery.
This report was first "discovered" by Town staff months after it had been issued. Note the minutes of a meeting on August 23, 2007 attended by members of the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen, but which was never discussed by these appointed officials with their boards or with the West Concord Overlay Committee. They start on p. 197; these represent the sole official input by the Town of Concord about its local preference.
The MBTA representative said (4/14/08 BOS meeting) that they would build all the three presented "alternatives" now if funded; think of these three alternatives as staging over time.
Article about Governor Patrick's program to influence/control municipal planning/zoning. Article contains link to complete draft of Task Force's working document "Possible Framework for a Land Use Partnership Act"
Legislation to promote livable communities and zoning reform act. Community Development and Small Business. Note how it elevates a town's Long Range Comprehensive Plan (CLRP) to a level of new authority, which both the Town and the State will use.
A petition for legislation relative to municipal zoning, subdivision control, and planning. Municipalities and Regional Government. Complements the powers given in the above Senate Bill 151.
An ACT relative to municipal zoning reform.
Legislation relative to renewal communities and smart growth zoning.