Florence Forum3_Nov17 2020_2020-1117_as presentedPlanning the Future of Florence Center
Planning Board Public Forum
November 17, 2020
Identify a vision for the future
of Florence
Move forward
with public
improvements
to implement the
vision
Draft any zoning
changes needed
to implement the
vision
Public Input
Parking
•Encourage shared parking
o Encourage consolidation of parking lots
Manage spillover parking
Key to bullet markers
•Zoning can address
o Zoning can somewhat address
Zoning cannot address
•Improve tree planting
•Encourage active use of public realm
o Calm traffic based on best practices
Streetscape
Improve access to public parks and greenspaces
o Clarify which spaces are public and which are private
o Include features for active uses
Parks/Green Spaces
•Provide diverse housing
•Continue to provide light-industrial spaces
o Expand options for evening dining
o Maintain or expand practical everyday retail and service uses
o Add “things to do.”
o Continue to provide low-cost spaces
Uses
Design Directions for Vision Plan
Improve sidewalks and streetscape—village style: more diverse
frontages than downtown Northampton, but with a focus on design
for people walking
Fill in gaps along street with new buildings for places to live, work
and obtain services
Maintain village scale, character, and diversity
Encourage consolidation and sharing of parking lots
Improve greenspaces—access, design, activation
1
2
3
4
5
Clarify requirements for tree plantingand sidewalk improvements
Encourage shared parking and cross-access Revise buffering
requirements at
edge of district
Add minimum frontage occupancy standard Add basic building massing standards
Add basic building massing standards
Encourage usable open spaces
Require windows, No large blank walls
Require front door facing sidewalk
Set minimum & maximum front setbacks
Require pedestrian-oriented design of the space between building & edge of the sidewalk
Upper floor step-back
Require ground floor commercial at key nodes Allow ground floor residential elsewhere
GB
OI URB
FV-C
FV-CFV-G
FV-G
FV-Center District, Intent: This district is intended to facilitate a broad range of
commercial, residential, and mixed-uses, in the form of infill development and
redevelopment at a pedestrian-scale and moderate-density providing goods and services
that benefit residents in the surrounding neighborhoods and travelers along the corridor.
FV-General District, Intent: Facilitate continued utilization and selected redevelopment
of this area to accommodate a wide range of commercial, industrial, residential, and
live/work uses within walking distance of Florence Village Center and adjacent moderate-
density residential neighborhoods. The district is intended to continue to provide space
for employment opportunities and other commercial uses, while also providing
opportunities for compatible higher-density residential use.
Florence Village (FV)
Key Zoning Changes
Require commercial use on first floor in Florence Village Center
district, but not in Florence Village General District
Require a pedestrian entrance that faces the street
Establish standards for public realm—how to fix sidewalk if project
impacts it, pedestrian oriented design of space between sidewalk and
front of building
Set basic building massing and design standards
Improve predictability for applicants and general public
Most uses allowed by right with objective design standards
1
2
3
4
5
6
1.Does the vision address your hopes and concerns about
the future of Florence Center?
2.What questions or comments do you have about the key
zoning changes?
3.Overall, does this project seem like it is headed in the right
direction?
Dodson & Flinker
40 Main Street, Suite 101
Florence, MA 01062
www.dodsonflinker.com
413-628-4496
Email comments to:
dillon@dodsonflinker.com
cmisch@northamptonma.gov
Northampton Planning and Sustainability
210 Main St.
City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
www.northamptonma.gov/plan
413-587-1262