Select Board hears Chestnut Hill commercial-area study update; staff, RKG outline outreach, timeline for draft zoning

Economic Development Director Meredith Mooney presented an update on the Chestnut Hill commercial-area study, describing the scope of work with consultant RKG Associates, the project timeline and community engagement plan. Mooney said the commercial-market analysis is underway; staff and the community advisory group will develop feasible redevelopment scenarios and 3D massing to show height, bulk and parking trade-offs. The aim is to finalize zoning recommendations by the end of the calendar year so draft proposals can be considered before spring 2025 town meeting.

Mooney described a community engagement sequence that includes an in-person workshop in Chestnut Hill on April 24 (at the Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course) and a virtual workshop on May 8; staff will follow with two site walks and ongoing outreach to property owners and potential developers. A community advisory group chaired by Select Board member Sam Mann will review developer proposals and help refine draft zoning and design guidance. Board members emphasized the need to include senior and BHA resident perspectives and requested clarity around the study area maps and an interactive property-owner map planned for the project website.