Planning Initiatives
The 2021 Master Plan is the blueprint for Norton's future growth and community development. The Plan's main economic development goals are to encourage appropriate economic development projects at key locations and support existing businesses and attract new firms. We are implementing the plan in a number of ways including making proposed revisions to the Zoning Bylaw to promote uses targeted to specific areas such as artisanal manufacturing along W. Main Street and life sciences in our industrial areas. We hope to receive a grant to create a Life Sciences Overlay District which is a zoning tool that will encourage life science companies to locate in targeted areas such as our business parks as well as the MassDOT property located near the I-495/Rte 123 interchange.
The West Main Street District has seen a lot of attention over the last few years. It has many wonderful local businesses including Bog Iron Brewing, Wendells, Bridgett's: An Irish Tradition, Norton House of Pizza, Bagels and Cream as well as national franchises including Honey Dew, CVS and Walgreens. While there are these great businesses, the District is missing a spark. To that end, the town has been focused on turning the District into a fun and thriving destination where people love to gather at local businesses and at the Village Green. To that end, we have approved the Village Center Vision Plan and the Local Rapid Recovery Plan. The plans are being implemented by activities such as the extended sewer line from the Rt 123/140 intersection to the Norton Housing Authority, the adoption of Village Center Core rezoning, a new municipal parking lot at 47 W. Main Street, and a parking management study which will be completed in June 2022. We also plan to initiate an effort to form a business association within the District and hope to receive a grant to conduct a plan that improves the look and feel of the District. There will be even more work to be done.
The Town will be working with our Regional Planning Agency, SRPEDD, to create a Housing Production Plan which will be our strategy to increase the supply and type of housing, including affordable housing.
The Town is also required to comply with the Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities as we are considered an "MBTA Adjacent Community." We have until 2024 to create a zoning district that allows a minimum of 15 units per acre and be applied over at least 50 acres.