New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020Shaping the CityGoal and Objectives Responsible Party Timeframe Notes1. Implement a new Zoning Code that will promote and guide development that meets the city’s visiona. Draft new zoning regulations that are aligned withvision, make the ordinance more “user-friendly,” andimplement recommendations of the zoning diagnostic,such as:Planning Office,Planning BoardShort-termRefer to recommendations of thezoning diagnostic. City Councilapproval required.i. Adopt a comprehensive mill form-based milloverlay district for all mill development districtsthroughout the cityii. Adopt transit-oriented development zoning forthe proposed Whale’s Tooth and Kings Highwaycommuter rail stationsiii. Adopt modifications to residential zones thatallow for lot size requirements that fit thecharacter of the area, design review for in-fillconstruction, and subdivision regulation thatpromote sustainable developmentiv. Revise and streamline the City’s special permitgranting authoritiesv. Update definitions and use tablevi. Revise parking standards to meet current bestpracticesvii. Incorporate/update design, streetscape, andlandscaping standardsb. Encourage sustainable development techniques Planning Office,Planning Board,NBEDCShort-termc. Promote new zoning as a business and neighborhooddevelopment toolPlanning Office,Planning Board,NBEDCShort-term2. Relocate uses that impair the achievement of future development goals to appropriate areas of the city that can bestsupport thema. Identify sites and business types that create conflictwith future development goals of targeted districtsthroughout the cityNBEDC,Planning OfficeShort-termRefer to district developmentplans.b. Identify appropriate locations for such uses to continueoperations and allow for potential expansionNBEDC,Planning OfficeShort -termc. Enact pro-active policies and public/private partnershipsto enable relocationNBEDCMid -term3. Implement internal policy and regulations that will guide development towards the vision and create greater efficiencythroughout the permitting processa. Revise site plan review and sub-division regulations tobe aligned with new zoning codePlanning Office,Planning BoardShort-termCoordinate w/ relevant boards,commissions, anddepartments/agenciesb. Create sustainable development guidelines forcommercial and residential development to aid thepublic and private sectorsNBEDC Short-term Coordinate w/ relevant boards,commissions, anddepartments/agenciesc. Improve access to information through web-basedapproach while maintaining and enhancing actions ofthe Permitting Task ForcePlanning Office,MIS, NBEDCOngoingWork Plan13-3