Welcome to the interactive web schedule for the 2019 Spring NEARC Conference! For tips on how to navigate this site, visit the "Helpful Info" section. To return to the NEARC website, go to: www.northeastarc.org/spring-nearc.html.
The schedule is subject to change (as of May 13, 2019). Please check back for updates.
AUTHORS: Nathaniel Hussey, Antioch University New England, Keene NH; Steven Lamonde, Antioch University New England, Keene NH
ABSTRACT: To confront the realities of high property taxes and increased pressure to be more business friendly, Greenfield MA is debating amendments to its Zoning By-laws to encourage economic development. The amendments proposed on 14 February 2019 pertain to the Major Development review process, will allow for a larger maximum square footage of gross floor area for future non-residential construction projects in all city districts. To identify parcels in specific districts suitable for development per the proposed amendment, a parcel-based suitability model was developed to map development potential within six focus districts in Greenfield. Using GIS data layers from the Massachusetts GIS database, four submodels were created to account for natural features and built infrastructure on the landscape. Submodels were then weighted and combined to analyse each tax parcel?s overall suitability for development. Additionally, two Zonal Statistic analyses were run to determine the suitability of parcels, based on the slope of the landscape, and district-specific dimensional requirements for open space per parcel. This analysis determines which parcels within the six districts are suitable for development. The conclusions found in this analysis will provide a more holistic interpretation of many of Greenfield?s tax parcels. The findings will assist Greenfield?s Planning Board to more effectively review, evaluate and recommend development proposals. Additionally, the findings will assist the Greenfield Zoning Board of Appeals streamline their deliberation process and decision making on issues of special permits and variances under the Greenfield's Zoning Ordinance.