Below is the “From The Manager’s Desk” column from the latest Town Topics Newsletter:
In the coming months a determination will be made as to the most appropriate response to the so called “Housing Choice Law.” In January of 2021 then Governor Charlie Baker signed House Bill 5250 – “An Act Enabling Partnerships of Growth.” A major goal of this legislation is to foster growth in the supply of affordable housing in the Commonwealth. A primary key to economic prosperity is the ability of business in all sectors to attract people with the necessary skills and qualifications. Maintaining a strong talent pool requires access to quality housing that is affordable.
The legislation amends the state Zoning Act, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, to require that communities within the MBTA service area provide a zoning district that permits multi-family housing by right. Such zoning would enable a developer to construct multi-family housing without seeking a special permit. These zoning districts cannot be subject to age restrictions and must be suitable for families with children. The districts must have a minimum density of 15 units per acre. A portion of the district must be within a half mile of a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. Communities that fail to establish such zoning will be ineligible for state funds from multiple state grant programs. Separately, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has indicated that she may take enforcement action against communities that fail to adhere to the law.
In January the Select Board supported an Action Plan which was filed with the state Department of Housing of Community Development. This “action plan” established a broad framework for the Town’s intentions. The submission of the “action plan” places the Town in interim compliance. Remaining compliance will require Town Meeting approval of a by right multi-family zoning district no later than December 31, 2024.
The Town has allocated $300,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for storefront improvement grants for Wilmington businesses that were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. One element of attracting customers and promoting business activity is clean, appealing storefronts and signage.
Businesses with storefronts can apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding. Applicants will be required to provide a matching dollar amount of 10% of the total project cost. Funding will be provided in the form of reimbursement after project work is complete. Guidelines, application and more information on this program are available on the Town’s website at https://www.wilmingtonma.gov/economic-development-committee. Applications are due to the Department of Planning & Conservation by 4:30 p.m. on August 1, 2023. Grant awards are expected to be announced in September 2023. Direct questions to the Planning and Conservation Department at 978-658-8238.
Work to evaluate options for a school that accommodates students and staff formerly occupying the Wildwood School will get underway over the next few months. Visioning sessions will take place starting in late September/early October. Goals for these visioning sessions include obtaining feedback from residents, students, staff, town officials and other stakeholders. Topics to be discussed include the desired grade configuration for a new school e.g., prekindergarten to kindergarten only, prekindergarten to grade 3 or prekindergarten to grade 5 and the physical size, student enrollment count and building design. Other topics will address how education is expected to evolve in the next ten to twenty years, trends in education and the practices and facility characteristics that may be appropriate for this new school. Go to the Wilmington Public Schools link to remain informed about the dates and times of the visioning sessions: https://www.wpsk12.com/our_district/facilities/school_building_projects.
Construction on the new senior center to be located on Main Street next to the Church of the Transfiguration is expected to begin in September 2023 and be completed by December of 2024. Construction on the Town Hall/School Administration building at the rear of the Swain parking area is scheduled to begin in March of 2024 with completion by summer of 2025.
Christina Stewart, Library Director for the past 27 years, will be “closing the book” in September after 49 years of service to the Town. Ms. Stewart has been a true change agent for library services. Some directors may have taken the path of least resistance after voters rejected a new library in 2005. Instead Tina doubled down and encouraged her staff to think outside the box for ways to promote learning and social discourse. Tina has led the effort to fulfill their mission that “Community Starts Here.” We extend Tina all the best for an enriching and fulfilling next “chapter” in her story.
Enjoy the warm weather, days at the ocean or on the lake, moments on the mountaintops or in the canyons and afternoons on back deck or in the backyard pool. Carpe diem.
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