Rezoning South Lincoln is topic of May 7 forum

A proposal to rezone parts of South Lincoln will be the subject of a public forum hosted by the South Lincoln Planning and Implementation Committee (SLPIC) will hold a public forum on Tuesday, May 7 from 6–8:30 p.m. in the Town Hall.

SLPIC’s Village Planning and Zoning Team has been working on rezoning the area comprising the train station, Lewis Street including the DPW (see accompanying story), the mall, and Lincoln Road up to Codman Road as part of an effort to revitalize the area.

The agenda is as follows:

• 6–7 p.m. — drop in and meet members of SLPIC and the town’s planning and land use staff to learn more about SLPIC efforts to create a vibrant, pedestrian friendly village center at Lincoln Station.
• 7–8:30 p.m. — Presentation by the SLPIC Village Planning and Zoning Team on efforts to rezone Lincoln Station as an E-TOD (Equitable Transit Oriented Development). Learn more about the proposed zoning and design guidelines, followed by Q&A. 

An E-TOD is a type of sustainable smart growth development that maximizes the amount of residential, business, and public space within walking distance of public transport. A transit-oriented development encourages walkability and use of public transit to reduce dependency on cars while reducing the carbon footprint and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. “Equitable” means that people of all ages, incomes, and abilities have access to housing, services, amenities ,and public transportation.

Benefits of a transit-oriented development include:

• Reducing dependence on driving
• Allowing residents to live, work, and play in the same area
• Reducing the area’s carbon footprint or negative impact on the environment
• Providing access to better life services
• Stimulating the local economy
• Revitalizing town centers
• Providing better access between urban and suburban areas, to better jobs, and to better entertainment or recreational services