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State Considers 'Smart Growth' Initiatives

BOSTON-A series of initiatives designed to alter the pattern of development in this state is garnering attention here, as the concerns of sprawl and congestion become regional issues. The initiatives are attempting to create regional zoning boards that could have better perspective on managing growth.

By Naomi Grossman | Updated on July 09, 2001

BOSTON-A series of initiatives designed to alter the pattern of development in this state is garnering a lot of attention at the legislative and executive level here. The initiatives are essentially attempting to wrestle control away from local towns and cities and instead create regional zoning boards that could have better perspective on managing growth.

Currently, 351 towns and cities in the state make individual land-use decisions and those decisions are usually made with only that town or city in mind. Increasing a local tax base through commercial development and limiting the number of children enrolled in local schools are usually local concerns but the larger issues of sprawl and congestion are creating greater concerns.

One of the major initiatives here is a bill authored by State Senator Marc Pacheo that would give cities and towns $35 million for technical assistance to create master plans. Governor Jane Swift has already established Executive Order 418, providing cities and towns with $30,000 to reexamine zoning and explore new ways to approach planning.

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