Guest Blog post from Jon Gersh and the Friends of Poet’s Corner
These articles would:
• Rezone the church property from R1 (single-family) to R6 (apartment/medium density), and
• Allow assisted living residences as a permitted use in R6 districts.
Why this proposal makes sense
This is a thoughtful, community-driven plan with several clear benefits:
1. Preserves the church and parish community
The potential sale of a portion of the property would allow St. Camillus to remain active and continue serving local parishioners—something that is otherwise uncertain. The rectory would be consolidated with St. Agnes, helping streamline operations while keeping the church itself intact. TThey are offering generous buffers between the new project and the neighbors.
2. Provides much-needed senior housing
A reputable developer is prepared to build an assisted living and memory care facility on the site. Arlington—and the surrounding area—has a well-documented need for more senior care options, particularly for residents who wish to remain in their community as they age.
3. Generates meaningful tax revenue
The project is expected to produce approximately $600,000 annually in new tax revenue—funds that can support town services without adding burden to existing residents.
4. Avoids an uncontrolled 40B outcome
Without this rezoning, the site could be developed under Chapter 40B, which would significantly limit the town’s ability to shape the project. This proposal allows Arlington to guide the outcome, rather than react to it.
5. Takes a safer, more responsible approach to the former dump site
Across Dow Avenue lies a former town dump, currently used for construction staging. This plan avoids disturbing that site—an important consideration given the risks associated with excavating long-buried materials—and instead focuses development on the church property itself.
Community input and response
There have already been multiple public meetings with neighbors, the developer, and parish leadership. We’ve also been actively engaging with members of the Friends of Poet’s Corner, collecting feedback and relaying concerns.
The response has been largely supportive. Key questions raised—around traffic, parking, and stormwater—are typical for a project of this scale and are being addressed as part of the planning process.
The bottom line
This proposal represents a balanced, locally guided solution that:
• Preserves an important community institution,
• Meets a real housing need,
• Adds to the tax base, and
• Avoids less predictable alternatives.
We encourage Town Meeting Members to vote in favor of Articles 50 and 51, and we encourage residents to reach out to their Town Meeting Members to express their support.
Jon Gersh and The Friends of Poet’s Corner
