The Marion Planning Board has elected to dedicate one meeting per month to the ongoing Master Plan development, and on July 5 the board discussed comments and a draft document laying out the goals for land use and economic development.
The key concept identified during several public workshops was “Village Style” mixed-use housing and commercial growth as essential to the future of Marion. Route 6 in particular, as well as Sippican Office Park, the waterfront, and the village were areas touched upon within the four land use goals, which focused on re-zoning and amending zoning bylaws to accommodate village-style development and cluster development mixing commercial with residential, among other things.
Keeping with the character of Marion is always a key component of discussions on the Master Plan, which includes not only business and housing development and design, but land conservation as well.
Climate resilience is another aspect that will be a strategy integrated throughout all aspects of the Master Plan, and the draft document states that looming sea level rises, storm events, and high-tide events “should be considered for all major land use decisions.”
The document continues, “This means that the initial vulnerability assessment available in the climate resilience and any future climate resilience plans should be consulted for all major zoning, infrastructure, and development decisions.”
“We have to make sure that … economic growth is done properly … and for the community,” said Planning Board member Eileen Marum, emphasizing the importance of mixed-use zoning. “We need to consider cluster buildings. They have to be bike-able; they have to be walk-able….” She later added, “I don’t think just developing Route 6 without a plan would go well with the residents of Marion … I don’t think strip malls are the way to go.”
Moving on to economic development, the Master Plan draft goals take into consideration the fact that Marion’s tax base is 93% residential as compared to 75% in Carver, 79% in Plymouth, 82% in Wareham, and 94% in Mattapoisett. Economic development, again, focused mainly on village-style developments “that give Marion so much of its character while enhancing the tax base.”
The draft further states, “This blended approach is wholly appropriate for Marion and is supported by key data points and the desires Marion residents expressed during the public workshops.”
The goals focus specifically on traditional economic development to the Sippican Office Park by creating a “business-friendly community that attracts high wage job producers.”
Another goal touches upon participating in Chapter 43D expedited permitting within the office park which, according to the draft goals, “provides a transparent and efficient process for municipal permitting, guarantees local permitting decisions on priority development sites within 180 days, and increases visibility of your community and target development sites.”
Another aspect of the economic development goal addresses utilizing tax increment financing with private sector partners to give incentives for new businesses to move to the Sippican Office Park.
The goal also mentions establishing a Local Business Development Commission to improve the likelihood of job creation in Marion and high value commercial growth.
Wastewater treatment, of course, was also a factor in economic growth, with board member Will Saltonstall suggesting there be more emphasis on the future financial burdens of the wastewater treatment facility as the Master Plan is further developed.
“This is not the final product,” Town Planner Ken Buckland reminded the board.
Next month, the board will discuss the housing, services, and facilities goals for the Master Plan.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for July 18 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry