In the summer of 2014, the town government adopted a new building code for the commercial district around Eastgate shopping center. Because this was the town’s first experience using a new kind of zoning, the council agreed to revisit the code periodically and make changes to it as needed.
Now that we’ve had a chance to see the first several projects come in, it’s clear that there is room for improvement. Town staff and citizen advisory board members are therefore working to amend the code so that redevelopment in the Ephesus-Fordham district delivers the kind of, attractive, pedestrian-oriented buildings and public areas we want to create in this part of town.
For example, the town’s Community Design Commission has suggested a number of changes including:
- Specifying a maximum building-block length and width
- Addressing the appearance of street-facing parking decks
- Increasing sidewalk widths
- Requiring recreation spaces to be visible to the public
- Requiring trash collection and other service functions and utilities to be located in the interior of blocks rather than along the street frontage.
Future improvements to the code should provide a district-wide infrastructure plan including stormwater management, public transportation, and the location of greenways and open spaces. We must also ensure that redevelopment in the district delivers moderately-priced housing, energy efficient construction, and tax relief for existing homeowners.
Those who fear that changing the code will scare off investors need not worry; the code was always meant to be a work in progress, and all stakeholders will benefit from code changes that promote more thoughtful and attractive new construction.
As we continue to learn from experience, we must have the courage to correct course as needed so that the Ephesus-Fordham district develops into a thriving, prosperous place we can all enjoy.
— David Schwartz
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