Twenty years ago, the Bluestone Planning Group helped Harvard create a Town Center Action Plan “to make recommendations that will reconcile two seemingly contradictory desires—to support and sustain the center’s vitality and mix of activities while simultaneously preserving the center’s classic village character and imagery. If done well, the center in the future will be more vital, but appear much as it does today.”
In the intervening years, the town has taken a lot of positive action to help implement this vision. Water and septic solutions have been implemented. Walkability and parking have been improved around the Common. One significant element of this Action Plan remains to be put in place: “Rezone the core of the Center around the Common as a new Village Residential / VR District to reflect existing historic compact development patterns of small lots and houses built close to the street rather than continuing the current AR large-lot district right in the Center.”
Rules about pre-existing nonconforming structures and uses protect the buildings and businesses as they were at the time when new zoning rules were created. The Historic Commission’s bylaws prevent demolition, as well as changes that are not in character with the town center. The zoning change envisioned in 2005, and now being put forward for our consideration as a Town Center Overlay District (TCOD), would not alter any of these rules, but would protect and enhance the town center in three ways.
Protect and enhance
First, it would codify the existing small lot sizes and setbacks. Most of Harvard is zoned residential/agricultural, which requires a minimum lot of 1.5 acres for a single family home, although there can be some additional residential units on larger lots. Most of the lots in the town center are smaller than this—some less than a quarter-acre, and many are situated close to the street or property line.
There are several small businesses and multifamily apartments near the Common. It’s not possible for new businesses to be permitted in the town center, nor to change the uses of pre-existing businesses (the one exception being two lots on Littleton Road that constitute the Business District). Whatever businesses currently exist in town center are the only ones that can exist there. An engaging mix of businesses that serve residents and visitors is an essential ingredient for a village atmosphere.
The second way the overlay district will benefit the town is by making it possible to obtain a special permit from the Planning Board for some small-scale businesses in the walkable area near the Common. The permit can include mixed-use buildings, with commercial uses on the ground floor, and residences above.
Many homes and businesses are built close to the street or property line, and it’s not possible for owners to put up accessory structures, like sheds or garages. The third element of the overlay district will permit owners to construct an accessory structure with the approval of the Historical Commission.
The Harvard Historical Commission’s attention to the atmosphere of the town center is a feature of this plan. Instead of being a barrier to changes in the town center, the commission is a partner in implementing this vision. The Water and Sewer Districts are also important partners, since increased residential use or new commercial uses will not be permitted unless we know the new uses will operate within the available capacity.
The town center is a valuable asset to Harvard. We have a wonderful gathering place where we come together as a community, and we want to preserve it. The Town Center Overlay District offers us the opportunity to retain the center’s vitality and enhance the relevance of this special place. I also invite you to attend one of the Planning Board’s information sessions regarding this proposal in the coming weeks, the first on Thursday evening, April 17, at Volunteers Hall.
John McCormack is chair of the Planning Board
