Lynnfield spells out zoning options

LYNNFIELD — The public responded to the MBTA Zoning Committee’s compliance-model results presentation at the Select Board’s meeting Monday.

The MBTA Zoning Committee is made up of Select Board Chair Dick Dalton; Planning Board Chair Page Wilkins, who serves as committee chair, Planning Board Vice Chair Katherine Flaws; Board of Appeals Chair Anthony Moccia; and Board of Assessors member Richard O’Neil. Town Administrator Rob Dolan and Director of Planning and Conservation Emilie Cademartori also serve on the committee as town staff members.

Sarah Maren from Barrett Planning Group, the consulting firm hired by the town to create a model in compliance with the new MBTA zoning law, presented the results.

“Lynnfield, under this law, is required to adopt a zoning district that is at least 40 acres in size, is estimated to yield at least 607 units, and calculates out to a density of 15 units per acre,” she said.

Wilkins emphasized that the law does not require Lynnfield to build 607 units, but to adopt a zoning district that would allow for these units to be built.

Cademartori presented the five proposed districts, all of which are located in South Lynnfield.

Most of the rest of the town had been excluded from the compliance results due to “environmental restrictions,” she said.

Cademartori also encouraged residents to look at the MBTA Zoning Committee page on the town’s website to access all of the meeting resources and learn more about the law.

Seven residents responded to the presentation, both showing support for and expressing concerns about the proposed models.

Anthony Leone urged the committee to explore options in North Lynnfield and keep in mind how these units will impact traffic and the town’s schools.

Mike Walsh said he is currently working with residents from six other towns and cities to oppose the zoning law. He expressed his concern with the law and recommended the town reject compliance.

Mary Lu Mendonca urged the town to vote to comply with the MBTA zoning law.

She referred to the consequences of noncompliance, such as becoming ineligible for grants from the state.

Dolan had presented on the impact the town would face as a result of noncompliance during the meeting.

Select Board Vice Chair Phil Crawford said “no one” wants to comply with the law.

“I don’t think there’s anyone in the room here that’s happy with this being put upon us,” he said. “We had to put this committee together. They’re doing a great job.”

He said the committee is trying to find a zoning district that will have the least impact on the town and its residents.

Cademartori said although the committee has five current compliance options, she welcomes feedback and suggestions from the public to offer different options.

“This public engagement is only the beginning,” Dalton said. “We’re going to work at getting the public engaged in this issue.”

The next MBTA Zoning Committee meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5 and the committee is encouraging public participation at the meeting.

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