Project Background:
As part of the previous project phase, the Town focused efforts with re-envisioning the former Farren Hospital site in terms of potential land uses and activities, and to see how it may fit in with the surrounding neighborhoods and its connections, be it by foot, bicycle, wheelchair, public transit, or car. Additionally, a residential and commercial market feasibility analysis was provided. Through this planning process, the community explored what kind of uses and amenities they would like to see here, such as housing, commercial uses, and community spaces – both indoor and outdoor; explored whether a better bicycle/pedestrian connection to the adjacent Canalside Rail Trail could be provided through the Farren site; and explored ways to bring tribute to the lives touched by the Farren Hospital while in operation for many decades. With the community’s vision for various types of use and amenities, the community explored possible building forms that promote a mixed-use neighborhood-style development that is designed to promote walkability and bikeability for residents and provide possible goods, services, and activities that are marketable to this area.
One of the key findings and recommendations from the previous project phase report is for the Town to explore zoning amendments that consider the uses, amenities, and building form in which the community envisions, and to explore how to translate them into possible zoning regulations. To learn more about the previous project phase, click HERE.
The Montague City Village Center Rezoning Project is being administered by the Montague Planning Department, in partnership with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), Massachusetts Housing Partnership and Innes Associates Ltd.
Working Group:
A working group comprised of Montague residents, business owners, and Town board/committee members has been formed to provide oversight of this work, including review/comment of the project's progress reports and materials for public outreach and community engagement, and to review/comment on draft zoning amendments. The Town wishes to look to the working group (among other groups and stakeholders) for insight into subject areas and topics under discussion.
Working group members include: Colleen & Skip Descavich, Dorinda Bell-Upp, Gregg Garrison, Janel Nockleby, Jeremy Toal, Kristi Bodin, Mary Kay Mattiace, Roberta Potter, and Sam Guerin.
Planning Board & Selectboard Meetings:
The Town provided a project overview, community engagment plan, and project timeline at recent Planning Board and Selectboard meetings.
Community Engagement:
Questions/Comments:
For questions/comments, please contact Maureen Pollock, Planning Director at mpollock@montague-ma.gov or (413) 863-3200 x112.
