HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT 2015 Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment Public Information Session

AGENDA HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT What is the Bylaw Purpose of the Bylaw Progress since last year Getting to the Bylaw What the Bylaw means for Humphrey Street

GETTING TO THE BYLAW Humphrey Street Revitalization Committee researches the street, history, and methods to breath new life into the historic commercial center HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

GETTING TO THE BYLAW Zoning Bylaw Review Committee revises much of the Zoning Bylaws for Swampscott HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

GETTING TO THE BYLAW Based on the previous two items, the Town is awarded a grant to develop a Humphrey Street Overlay District bylaw HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

GETTING TO THE BYLAW Town is awarded another grant to further study Humphrey Street and Burrill Street – Downtown Community Visioning Study HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

GETTING TO THE BYLAW Based on the 2012 study, Planning Board picks up 2009 bylaw and begins to refine it to bring it to Town Meeting for adoption HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

GETTING TO THE BYLAW

WHAT IS THE BYLAW This bylaw proposes an overlay district. Overlay districts ARE: Zoning districts that are added on top of the underlying original zoning; A community zoning tool to encourage development patterns that are in keeping with the public’s desire. Overlay districts ARE NOT: A mandate; A plan for public redevelopment or urban renewal. Because this is an overlay, it’s not a rezoning. This means the underlying zoning remains intact while providing special incentives and requirements for properties within the overlay. HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

PURPOSE OF THE BYLAW The Humphrey Street Overlay District (HSOD) is meant to promote development and define a sense of place in the historic downtown of Swampscott that enhances and encourages a mix of uses, protects historic and cultural resources, and fosters a harmonious connection between the district and the natural environment of the waterside. This bylaw is meant to promote future economic, cultural, and environmental opportunities and development within the downtown area. HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

PURPOSE OF THE BYLAW The purposes of the HSOD are as follows: HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT Enhance the overall quality of the built environment Respect the scale and character of the residential and commercial mix Promote pedestrian-oriented development Preserve the historic value and character Encourage building designs and practices that are adaptable Sense of place Connect built and natural environment Apply to all types of development – public and private

PURPOSE OF THE BYLAW Table of Uses Streamlined Process Design Standards Design Guidelines Separation of Commercial and Residential

PURPOSE OF THE BYLAW Table of Uses – Example Restaurant or coffee shop of 2,000-5,000 sf of GFAA-3B-1 Underlying zoningNSP Overlay zoningNY Streamlined Process Due to the adjusted dimensional requirements of the overlay, property owners may need fewer special permits and variances for their project.

PURPOSE OF THE BYLAW Design Standards Window layout and amount for commercial spaces – connecting store with sidewalk activity. Tops of buildings (flat or pitched) to be compatible with surrounding buildings. Primary entrances open to sidewalk (not parking lots). Design Guidelines Pedestrian sidewalk amenities – benches, trees landscaping planters, bike racks. Ground floor buildings in the B-1 should be designed for non-residential use. Roof-mounted equipment hidden from view.

PROGRESS SINCE LAST YEAR Simplified – removed the creation of a Design Review Board (Planning Board takes on this role) Impact – strengthened the purpose and intent portion to better explain what the bylaw is meant for and give clearer direction Requirements – adjusted the dimensional requirements to encourage redevelopment of nonconforming lots in the district HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT

PROGRESS SINCE LAST YEAR

WHAT THE BYLAW MEANS FOR HUMPHREY STREET HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT Visual Identity Sense of Place Walkable / Livable New mixed use developments will add to the destination factor while embracing the natural seaside element. Building and site design will be more conducive and welcoming to pedestrians and bicyclists due to scale and amenities. Additional architectural details and features will enhance and restore the historic character and create visual connections.

WHAT THE BYLAW MEANS FOR HUMPHREY STREET

QUESTIONS / FEEDBACK? HUMPHREY STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT