NATICK CENTER PLAN Public Forum #1

December 8, 2015

Presentation – Where – What – Why – How (and when)

Open House – Browse the stations – Provide your feedback

Study area; existing and future assets

Past planning; Natick Center Plan elements

Demographic changes; location attributes

Process, initial feedback; timeline

where

½ mile “walk-shed”

½ mile “walk-shed”

10 minute walk

TCAN Library

Major employers: 2 miles Modera

Residences (40R)

Farmers Market, concerts, and other programming

MBTA Station redesign process

Town Hall

Police / Fire Dept

Natick Center Cultural District

P

P P

P

P

Proposed developments

Recent developments

what

A plan that connects the past to the future

A plan that is context sensitive and involves the community

A plan that incorporates past planning (where relevant)

1980-90s: Facilities Plan saw implementation of upgraded Town Common, Morse Library addition, new Town Hall, new Police/Fire HQ

1990s: Market study and parking study 1997: Design Master Plan 2000s: Parking studies Today: Several new developments; parking recommendations

implementation

RECOMMENDATIONS

How do you see Natick Center in 5, 10, 20 years?

What regulatory and other changes are needed to achieve the vision?

Given market realities, is the vision achievable?

How do we prioritize needed changes?

NATICK CENTER PLAN COMPONENTS

VISION

RECOMMENDATIONS

Land use / zoning, Transportation

MARKET ANALYSIS

IMPLEMENTATION

Short / medium / long term priorities

why

Demographic data and projections MAPC runs 2 scenarios: status quo and stronger region

• Stronger region assumes more people will be attracted to area, younger householders will seek out more downtown style living, senior households will choose to downsize to “age in place”

Fertility MassCHIP &

Census 2000/2010

Migration ACS & PUMS

Mortality MassCHIP & Census 2000/2010

Regional Population Projections

Households by Age of Householder, Size,

Structure

Headship Rates By age, Census 2010

Housing Units by Type, Tenure, Units in Structure

Housing Preferences By age & HH type: PUMS

* From review of previous projections vs actuals, the Stronger Region scenario has been closer to accurate

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

5% Growth

Natick – Total Population is rising

Natick – Changing demographics

69% Projected growth of 65+ in Natick through 2030

15% Projected growth of Millennials (20-34 year olds) through 2030

2.1

2.15

2.2

2.25

2.3

2.35

2.4

2.45

2.5

2.55

2.6

1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

Natick – Household size is projected to shrink

Preferences and demographics are aligning for increasing demand of walkable neighborhoods

AGES 20-35

AGES 36-65

AGES 66+

76% of “millennials want to live in a “transit-oriented” neighborhood*

Why Natick Center?

Transit access

Walkable environment

Restaurants and amenities

Multi-family residences

More affordable than some neighboring communities

Proximity to Route 128 + Route 9 employers

*2015 Urban Land Institute Boston/New England and MassINC Polling

What we’ve heard so far

Love the farmers market.

Let’s streamline

the permitting

process.

We have a great

burgeoning arts scene.

We need every-day retail needs.

…Like a grocery store.

Parking is more of a perception

problem.

No, lack of problem is an

actual problem.

But the new parking changes

seem to be helping.

But we also need a garage.

Main Street by the T is a

challenge for walkers.

Attractive. Relatively

affordable. Near the T.

More restaurants!

Bars!

how

Photo courtesy Jay Ball

Process

Craft Vision

Recommend Changes

Implementation

Process

Craft Vision

Recommend Changes

Implementation

Opportunities for change (land use + urban design) Uses

Size, height, location

• Total buildable area • Number of floors • Front, side, and rear

setbacks • Maximum lot coverage

Exteriors

• Entrance locations • Materials • Architectural

elements • Landscaping

Parking

• Amount required • Location • Landscaping

Opportunities for change (transportation)

Prioritizing the safety, comfort, and accessibility for all users of the road

1. Routine Projects and Maintenance (local funds)

2. Temporary (pilot) projects (cones, barrels, tape, etc.)

3. Corridor / intersection redesigns (MassWorks, TIP, Complete Streets, local funds)

Next steps

December January February March April

Open House

Draft Recommendations

Present Recommen

-dations

Refine and finalize

Town approval

Open House

Browse the stations for additional information and provide input on the following: –Overall vision –Walking, biking, and vehicular improvements –Parking concerns and options along Main Street –Land use and visual preference exercise –Future retail needs

Stay up to date with future meetings, presentations, and other documents: http://www.mapc.org/natickcenterplan