On Tuesday night, the Working Group presented a new map and density overlay. This was different from even what they presented to the redevelopment board one day earlier. We've attached the map with detail areas to this email. Here is a link to the latest map in case attachments aren't viewable:https://www.arlingtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/66215/638258738820870000Heights: 6 floor buildings very close to other properties on Mass Ave, 5 floor on Broadway, 4 floor going back from those another 350 feet into the predominantly 2 and 2.5 floor side streets. Parking for the units was set at between 0 and 1 maximum. Setbacks from the street were reduced.
Details of the July 25th map impact on neighborhoods:
The law requires 2,046 units in the density overlay in Arlington - 10% of current housing, but the Working Group proposal over-complies by 5-7 times: 12,000-15,000 units. That number was not published on documents, but given as an answer to a question by a resident. The level of density would be very high likely, making Arlington among the densest areas in the state. There is question as to whether the map may indeed offer a different higher unit allowance. It was stated at the meeting that using developer gifts (bonuses) of extra floors, nominal height and size limits can be exceeded. A similar map shown to the redevelopment board indicated 20,804 units allowed - more than the entire current housing stock of our town. The WG has so far not prepared maps and scenarios with at least some of the density in the half mile area near Alewife that is the point of the law. They so far have not produced a version that simply meets the law's 2046 unit requirement.
Here's a recording of the event:
Public Comment begins at 55 minutes, and is worth watching:
Attached are detail maps the Working Group presented. As of Tuesday night, orange areas represent 4 floors height maximums. Blue represents the 5 floor Broadway or 6 floor Mass Ave maximum areas. For comparison, the new buildings by Stop and Shop are 4 floor heights.
Feedback Requested by the Working Group - but only through July 31st
The Working Group has an email address and is taking public input on the current map and scenario - the deadline is July 31st. You can email them at:
We suggest you also CC: elected officials including your 5 elected Select Board Members, Your Town Meeting Members (who will vote on any density overlay plans) as well at unelected officials including The Town Manager and Director of Planning and Community Development. You can find these and other Town Official addresses at
ARFRR has published a web page at http://mbta.arfrr.org with facts and current status/maps/scenarios of the MBTA density overlay working group.
