[Massplanners] Open Space / Natural Resource Protection bylaws, Ma Smart Growth

[Benson, Rachel]

Hi All,
We are in the final stages of updating our Open Space Bylaw using the State's Smart Growth model Open Space Design bylaw and I wanted to get a sense of what communities have adopted this or a similar Open Space bylaw where the use is by-right, putting it on the same playing field as conventional subdivisions.
What was your biggest hurdle in adopting the bylaw? And now that you've adopted it what has your experience been with projects using the bylaw?

We've been working on this update since 2019 and there has been some last minute "cold feet"/"nay-sayers" claiming that its being rushed and we need to study and get it right. I'm attributing this to the fact that we are changing our existing bylaw from Special Permit to By Right so there is a perceived loss of control by board members/residents. We all also know that no bylaw is perfect the first time around. You do your best with what resources/information you have and go from there, making sure to give the bylaw enough flexibility so you can work around those "hiccups" when they come up.
I've found the resources/meetings that Harvard did with Randall Arendt very helpful.

Any notes, ideas and experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and have a great day!

Rachel Benson
Director of Planning & Economic Development
Planning & Community Development
Town of Wrentham
79 South Street
Wrentham, MA  02093
508-384-5400 x5441
www.wrentham.gov<http://www.wrentham.gov>
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