RE: Fw: Planners seek to revamp 'outdated' zoning legislation

[Joel A Feingold]

Hi folks,   As a relative newcomer to Framingham I can second Kathy's note below, but would expand it to say that for perhaps 30 years Framingham just carried on without much care or effort to plan and to monitor what was happening. The history of Ashland's sewerage fees is a perfect example of this. So there is no surprise that development continues with lack of complete information. What is perhaps more surprising is that the partial information indicates that there is a lack of water in the northwest quadrant, yet there isn't a moratorium on development until correct information is available. Correct information would help developers too, because the developer would be able to calculate costs and therefore economic viability of new housing.   In Framingham, I perceive a great philosophical objection to change among many residents. This was reflected in the vehemence of opposition to the CPA, which would have provided a measure of financial ability to support needed change - ie increasing publically held land, protection of historic structures, and new affordable housing which could have been set up in a way giving our teachers, police, fire and other Town employees first crack at it. It is reflected in the immense opposition to any development near Nobscot, which is a local business node and, compared to a location such as Eastleigh or other tract off Edmands, Nixon or Permenter etc, makes it a logical point for further housing, if any were to be added in this vicinity.   Let's support getting an analysis of the water supply done. If as is likely, it comes out that there isn't much there, and the cost is a gazillion dollars to bring it there, then we know that each new house will be charged it's share of the gazillion and it will be less likely that the land will be built on. A plus for all of us who live in and care about Framingham.   Joel A. Feingold -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Kathy Vassar Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2002 3:05 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Fw: Planners seek to revamp 'outdated' zoning legislation it seems to me that we need to look at all the ideas and that a number of them could contribute to better use of the land.    as we do that i am concerned that we are currently increasing the density in the area of town that does not have the infrastructure or any long term idea of the availability of water to support the increase in density.   other communities with wells or areas of town with wells have done hydrogeologic studies that give them some idea of density the available water would support.   framingham has no idea, doesn't seem to care and is increasing the density anyway.   we need to figure out what works for areas w/o town water and sewer as well as the formula for the areas that have water and sewer (and probably a few other issues as well - like traffic) and deal with them up front to get the community support for change.    kathy vassar ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, September 06, 2002 9:36 PM Subject: Re: Fw: Planners seek to revamp 'outdated' zoning legislation As I wrote and you saw in the debate, both O'Brien and Reich have embraced Smart Growth and offered an office of state planning....  these measures would prevent sprawl, encourage mixed use zoning, and greater densities in areas where there is infrastructure....  preserving open space. using Transfer Development Rights a long overdue concept in Mass. although some are using it.... We really need to get hopping here in Framingham and Metrowest before all the open spaces are gone... cluster is fine also but the by-law recommended by the Planning Board does not have cluster as a matter of right and, in fact, make it down right difficult if not impossible  to utilize... Jack Clarke chair of the Gloucester Planning Board and advocate for Audubon  also a buddie of mine had a great op ed piece in the Globe last week relative to the matters above...  we need local leadership.. Best regards to all,  Bgray