City of Methuen Master Plan

Methuen Master Plan 2007
example, the parking requirements for retail are excessive at 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet plus 1
space for every 2 employees. The result of this excessive requirement is excess pavement and
disincentives to using alternative modes. The parking requirements for multi-family residential units
are overly generous, as well, at 2 spaces per unit plus 1 guest space for every 5 regular spaces. This
effectively is 2.2 spaces per unit, establishing no incentive to minimizing the number of cars per
household.
Obviously, methods to restrict parking must be accompanied by programs, incentives, regulations,
and policies that encourage walking, biking, sharing rides, and transit in order to make any
difference.
Land Use and Transportation
The relationship between land use and transportation is central to efficient, well-planned
development that minimizes impacts to natural resources and provides desirable communities in
which to live and work. The Commonwealth has recognized this link as it promotes an agenda of
“Smart Growth,” which seeks to help cities and towns responsibly manage development in ways will
ensure a sustainable future. Among the State’s Sustainable Development principles are the goals to
concentrate development and mix uses while expanding transportation choices.
Methuen’s land use policies have typically prohibited mixed-use development, as mixed-use
developments are not allowed by right anywhere. In the BL district only, mixed use is allowed with
a special permit. No provision for mixed use in the CBD—the traditional location for housing and
commercial development—is provided. Please see the Downtown Development Plan for more
detail on this issue.
More people living in the CBD can reduce parking demand and vehicle trips associated with
commercial and retail establishments. The Zoning Ordinance provides some opportunity for
increasing residential density in a mixed-use district, suggesting that density bonuses for affordable
housing would allow up to 12 dwelling units per acre in the CBD.
FUTURE
PLANS/NEEDS:
The City should analyze and update the Zoning Ordinance using the Smart
Growth initiatives of the State to promote mixed use in the downtown and
to create a live/work environment.
Subdivision Regulations and Transportation Goals
The City’s Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land (revised 2/9/01) provide
regulations to ensure safe and convenient travel, lessen congestion, allow access for emergency
vehicles, and more. In light of comments from the public visioning sessions about the need for a
balanced transportation system, the City should analyze and update the Subdivision Rules and
Regulations using the Smart Growth and Low Impact Development initiatives of the State and the
MassHighway 2006 project development and Design Guidebook.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Methuen is an auto-oriented city. Factors contributing to this include easy highway access, lack of
alternatives, and land use policies and practices that segregate uses. Yet, despite the growth of
households over the last 10 years, vehicle traffic in Methuen has not exploded. Certain key corridors
are more heavily traveled now, but neighborhood streets are not overloaded with traffic. The Rotary
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