Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative

The following twelve steps should be implemented quickly to help Chelmsford confront its unsustainable growth. Click Here.

Create a 40B advisory board for a pre-application process to determine whether projects are appropriate.
Create ZBA regulations that defer 40B negotiations to the 40B advisory board.
Empower a joint-planning process by requiring 40B proposals to be made to the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Selectmen and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Establish better project-based collaboration by creating bylaws requiring each of the above boards to provide written commentary on the impacts of 40B proposals.
Establish design standards for new projects to include housing type, affordability, disability accessibility and benchmarks for community enhancement.
Require fiscal impacts statements on any development project with more than five units.
Create a zoning bylaw that defines and prioritizes Redevelopment so we can refurbish existing buildings before building new ones
Work with the water districts to create water impact assessments for new development proposals.
Change the master plan and zoning bylaws to protect existing residential neighborhoods from new development and shift development to vacant, obsolete or underutilized buildings.
Change the ZBA from an appointed board to an elected board.
Lobby the state for affordable housing funds to be reallocated from new construction to redevelopment and to prioritize revitalization of gateway cities.
Provide zoning variances only for additional affordable units and block the addition of unnecessary market-priced homes in 40B proposals

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Recent News

SGI received the largest number of new petition signatures and emails showing outpouring of support ever recorded in first twelve hour period following our recent letter. After nearly two years of SGI engaging in productive dialogue and providing viable solutions to Chelmsford officials, the town-wide mailing details the actions of town officials that have failed to take any actions to strengthen our community in the face of mandated growth. From the original language of our slow growth petition to the simple steps listed above, not a single formal policy has been implemented to attempt to make the best of a bad situation since our first efforts in early 2007.

Create a Better Community

Take Action!

Our group exists to create a sustainable community environment. Our activism has made enormous strides since early 2007, but the town has failed to implement any of our policy proposals. If you are interested in these issues, please help us by taking the following steps:

The Slow Growth Initiative Mission

Twelve Actions to be Taken Immediately

Recent News

Create a Better Community

Take Action!



	The Slow Growth Initiative Mission The Chelmsford Slow Growth Initiative began in early 2007 with a mission to improve the quality of life in Chelmsford by limiting unwanted growth and enjoying the benefits of stabilization. Financial benefits include reduced costs for town services and substantial reduction in the need for capital expenditures for new infrastructure to support growth. Non-financial benefits include less traffic; preservation of open space; lower noise levels; and environmental protection. The group vigorously advocates for the town of Chelmsford to enact formal town policies that slow growth. To that end, we have conducted a major mailing campaign that has included more than a half dozen town mailings as well as neighborhood canvassing to help engage residents on these important issues. Twelve Actions to be Taken Immediately The following twelve steps should be implemented quickly to help Chelmsford confront its unsustainable growth. Click Here. Create a 40B advisory board for a pre-application process to determine whether projects are appropriate. Create ZBA regulations that defer 40B negotiations to the 40B advisory board. Empower a joint-planning process by requiring 40B proposals to be made to the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Selectmen and Zoning Board of Appeals. Establish better project-based collaboration by creating bylaws requiring each of the above boards to provide written commentary on the impacts of 40B proposals. Establish design standards for new projects to include housing type, affordability, disability accessibility and benchmarks for community enhancement. Require fiscal impacts statements on any development project with more than five units. Create a zoning bylaw that defines and prioritizes Redevelopment so we can refurbish existing buildings before building new ones Work with the water districts to create water impact assessments for new development proposals. Change the master plan and zoning bylaws to protect existing residential neighborhoods from new development and shift development to vacant, obsolete or underutilized buildings. Change the ZBA from an appointed board to an elected board. Lobby the state for affordable housing funds to be reallocated from new construction to redevelopment and to prioritize revitalization of gateway cities. Provide zoning variances only for additional affordable units and block the addition of unnecessary market-priced homes in 40B proposals Close [x] Recent News 2.12.09 SGI received the largest number of new petition signatures and emails showing outpouring of support ever recorded in first twelve hour period following our recent letter. After nearly two years of SGI engaging in productive dialogue and providing viable solutions to Chelmsford officials, the town-wide mailing details the actions of town officials that have failed to take any actions to strengthen our community in the face of mandated growth. From the original language of our slow growth petition to the simple steps listed above, not a single formal policy has been implemented to attempt to make the best of a bad situation since our first efforts in early 2007. To view part of the mailing click here archived news Create a Better Community Residents are concerned by the impact that decades of development has had on the town. This development has contributed to the many difficult financial decisions we now struggle with. Since every additional residential unit built costs Chelmsford $30,000-$80,000 more than what they generate in taxes, please remind your local officials that they need to stop this kind of excessive growth. It strains our municipal budget, adds no reasonable affordable housing, endangers local businesses and degrades our natural environment, community character and quality of life. Take Action! Our group exists to create a sustainable community environment. Our activism has made enormous strides since early 2007, but the town has failed to implement any of our policy proposals. If you are interested in these issues, please help us by taking the following steps: You have five simple options: Use our communication tool to share your concerns Promote our Slow Growth Action Plan Support our town Master Plan Sign the Slow Growth petition Join our activist e-mail list

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