Whitman 40R

The Town of Whitman, in partnership with the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC), is pursuing the creation of a Smart Growth Overlay District (40R). This project seeks to align local land use regulations with community housing needs, economic development goals, and the Commonwealth’s Smart Growth principles.

The Pond Street Smart Growth Overlay District is a proposed rezoning of the area surrounding the Whitman MBTA Station (including Pond Street, Industrial Way, Essex Street, South Ave, Raynor Ave, Commercial Street, and Franklin Street), totaling approximately 40 acres. Redevelopment of this area, which currently consists almost entirely of underutilized and/or deteriorated industrial buildings and vacant storefronts, would include the replacement of much of the existing industrial uses with a variety of uses, likely to include housing, retail, and other amenities.

40R is a zoning tool that allows property within the overlay zoning district to be developed with a mix of uses, provided that a minimum quantity of affordable housing is provided as part of that redevelopment. Specific requirements for 40R districts:

• Must allow multifamily and mixed-use housing as of right
• Requires a minimum density (the proposed 40R zoning district for Whitman allows for townhouses and multifamily buildings):
  • 20 units/acre (multifamily)
  • 12 units/acre (townhouses)
  • 8 units/acre (single-family)
• At least 20% of units affordable to households ≤80% AMI, with long-term deed restrictions.
• Development must be consistent with smart growth principles (walkability, access to transit, efficient land use).

The Town of Whitman is the proponent of this project, and an Application for a Determination of Preliminary Eligibility has been filed with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). Should EOHLC grant the Determination of Preliminary Eligibility, the Select Board and/or Planning Board would present the rezoning proposal to Town Meeting for adoption.