As I will be out of town this weekend and therefore unable to attend the Town Meeting, I wanted to express my full support for both Article 20, “Senior Residential Development,” and Article 21, “Accessory Apartment,” not only as a resident of more than 40 years in town, but also on behalf of the Zoning Board of Appeals as the current chairperson.
At our meeting on April 14, we had the opportunity to review this final version of the proposed changes with Chris Ryan and several members of the Planning Board. The Zoning Board voted unanimously in support of both of these articles, as the need for greater housing diversity, especially for senior citizens, is absolutely essential. The creation of the “Senior Residential Development” bylaw will provide an appropriate avenue for interested residents to create these specific styled units (as defined within the bylaw) by simply obtaining a building permit versus the time and expense associated with an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a special permit. Those interested in not meeting these senior-focused components can continue to request approval from the ZBA through the modified “Accessory Apartment” bylaw.
As I have served on the ZBA for many, many years, I do not believe that we have ever voted to not approve an accessory apartment that met the established criteria. The total number of these approved apartments is still an insignificant number compared to the typical three- to five-bedroom large single-family homes that compose much of the town.
I do not see any risks at all with approving these two articles with respect to increasing costs associated with the town budget nor increasing significantly the number of school-aged children (although I believe presently additional enrollment is welcome). And as they would be dispersed randomly throughout the town, they are a very welcome option versus a 40B development that always understandably comes with the “not in my back yard” energy.
Therefore, I am asking personally and on behalf of the Zoning Board of Appeals for those in attendance to unequivocally support these two articles and continue to create the possibility of greater housing options for our valued seniors, as well as increasing the overall inventory of market rate/affordable (not 40B) apartments in town.
Christopher Tracey
Bolton Road
