Planning and Community Development
Welcome to the Department of Planning and Community Development website!
Please browse through links to the left to find information about upcoming events, development policies, Easton Rules and Regulations, and more. Below, find out what's new!
March 6, 2010
Planning Board to Review Revised Subdivision Regulations
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41, Section 81-Q, M.G.L., and the Easton Zoning ByLaw, the Easton Planning & Zoning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 7:30 PM in the Mary Connolly Meeting Room, Easton Town Offices, 136 Elm Street, N. Easton, MA to consider amending its current Subdivision Rules and Regulations and Administrative Rules and Regulations.
See the proposed draft Subdivision Regulations here.
February 2, 2010
FREE Home Energy Savings Seminar
The Easton Green Communities Committee is offering a FREE Home Energy Savings Seminar sponsored by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. This seminar is relevant for anyone who wants to save money on electricity, water or heating fuel.
FACT: Most Massachusetts homes could save 20% or more on their fuel use.
- Want to reduce your home energy costs?
- Looking for cheap, do-it-yourself solutions?
- Interested in energy savings financing options?
You'll learn about all this and more by attending this FREE Introduction to Home Energy Savings Seminar:
March 2nd, 2010
7:00pm
William Simmons Lecture Hall, Oliver Ames High School
100 Lothrop Street
North Easton, MA 02356
Presenters will illustrate hands-on tips, indicate which actions are most cost effective, and provide free educational materials for everyone attending.
Please join us and help us spread the word by sending this to your local friends and neighbors!
For more information, contact Adrienne Edwards at (508) 230-0805 or aedwards@easton.ma.us
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January 19, 2010
Town seeks proposal for purchase of land
The Town of Easton is offering for sale land located off Lincoln Street.
Click here to download a copy of the Request For Proposal (RFP).
January 19, 2010
Affordable Housing Trust finalizes Action Plan
At their meeting in December, the Easton Affordable Housing Trust voted to adopt the Easton Affordable Housing Trust Action Plan, and to submit the plan as an applicaiton for funding to the Community Preservation Committee.
Read about other proposals submitted for CPA funding.
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January 11, 2020
Town Seeks Proposals for Affordable Housing Development
Read more about the project history here.
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January 5, 2010; amended January 11, 2010
Community Preservation Committee Receives 5 Applications
At its deadline December 31, the Community Preservation Committee received the following five applications for funding in fiscal year 2010 (click each link for more information):
- Proposal to fund the Affordable Housing Trust Action Plan
- Request for assistance in updating the Easton Affordable Housing Production Plan
- Proposal to construct a new "pocket park" on donated land off Center Street
- Proposal to purchase land and deed restrictions at 31 Williams Street for the purpose of natural resource protection, historical preservation, affordable housing, and recreation
- Proposal to support historic preservation and affordable housing development at the Ames Shovel Works.
Applications are available at the Department of Planning & Community Development. For more information, contact Alice Savage at 508-230-0630.
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December 22, 2009; amended December 28, 2009
Revised Zoning Bylaw Available Now
Download the Easton Zoning Bylaw with amendments through Oct, 2009, here.
Go green! If you already have a bound copy of the May, 2009 bylaw, you can print out just the two replacement pages.
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December 1, 2009
Seeking Public Comment on Draft Affordable Housing Trust Plan
The Affordable Housing Trust is seeking feedback on its draft Affordable Housing Trust Plan. Please contact Acting Director of Planning & Community Development Alice Savage at 508-230-0643 or asavage@easton.ma.us with your comments, questions, or suggestions. A public meeting to discuss the draft plan will be held on Wednesday, December 6 at 6PM at Town Hall.
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December 1, 2009
Request for proposals
The EASTON Conservation Commission is seeking proposals for tenancy at the Tufts Farm, located at 108 Canton Street, Easton, MA, that will result in the rehabilitation, re-use and maintenance of the structures and the grounds, preferably for agricultural use.
Acquired by the Commission in 1980, Tufts Farm completed a contiguous open 
space corridor beginning to the north of Canton Street and extending south to the town pool off Lincoln Street. Prior to purchase by the town, the three-acre parcel was farmed by the Tufts family. The house and outbuildings, although in sound structural shape, are in need of some repair and have been under-utilized since the Commission acquired the property. The Commission is particularly interested in proposals for restoring the site to agricultural use that is of a benefit to the community. Responses are encouraged from a range of 
proposers and may be submitted by individuals, partnerships or organizations, for-profit or not-for-profit
An open house will be held at the property on December 7, 2009 from 10:30 am – 2:30pm. Directions
Interested parties should submit a proposal no later than 10:00am on January 28, 2010 to:
David Colton, Chief Procurement Officer
Subject: Tufts Farm Tenancy
136 Elm Street
Easton, MA 02356
Click here for a copy of the Request for Proposals. For questions contact Stephanie Danielson at 508.230.0641.
December 1, 2009
Alternate Development at Ames Shovel Works Presentation
Town Adminstrator David Colton and representatives of Beacon Communities LLC presented an alternate development proposal for the Ames Shovel Works (also known as Shovel Shop Square) to the Board of Selectmen on Monday, November 16, and the Finance Committee on Wednesday, November 18.
To participate in a site visit to another Beacon Communities project in Sharon (Saturday, December 12 @ 10AM) please RSVP by emailing Jason Korb or by contacting Alice Savage.
November 13, 2009
Apply now for Community Preservation funds!
The Community Preservation Committee is accepting proposals for projects under the Community Preservation Act for FY2011 for consideration at May 2010 Annual Town Meeting. Applications are available at the CPA website & the Planning & Community Development Department and are due December 31, 2009.
Is your community group considering a recreation, open space, affordable housing, or historic preservation project? Please contact us to see if you are eligible for funding!
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November 2, 2009; revised November 13, 2009
Alternate Proposal for Shovel Shops Announced
In late 2008, a group of concerned citizens and community leaders formed the Friends of the Ames Shovel Works, an organization whose mission was to preserve the historic industrial complex at the heart of the North Easton Village known as the Shovel Shops. The Friends presented an alternate development proposal for restoration and reuse of the site as a mixed-income residential community that would carefully restore and preserve the architectural integrity of the Shovel Shops.
You are invited to attend a public forum to hear Beacon Communities Development, LLC (Beacon Communities) and Town of Easton staff present a proposal to implement the Friends’ plan.
Second Public Information Session: Proposed Alternative Development at the Shovel Shops
Monday, November 16, 2009
7:15 P.M.
Board of Selectmen Meeting Room, Easton Town Hall
Public forums to disuss the proposed alternate development at the Ames Shovel Works site (commonly referred to as the Shovel Shops) are scheduled for the following nights:
- November 10 Historical Commission 7:00 PM
- November 16 Board of Selectmen 7:15 PM
- November 18 Finance Committee 7:00 PM
- November 23 Planning Board 7:00 PM
- November 30 Conservation Commission (TBD)
The alternative development proposal consists of 119 or fewer units of housing, a 1.5 acre public park, new gallery/museum space, and pedestrian access to integrate the new “neighborhood” into the North Easton Village. The project is proposed to be permitted under the existing Comprehensive Permit (under MGL c. 40B), and 20% of the units will be affordable. The project is more fully described in an attached memo, sent to the Board of Selectmen last week.
For more information, please call Alice Savage, Acting Director of Planning & Community Development at 508-230-0643, attend one of the scheduled public forums, or browse the links below.
- Read the Friends of the Ames Shovel Works' Design Guidelines
- Read the Project Outline (Memo to the Board of Selectmen)
- See the Schematic Layout
November 9, 2009
Easton Open Space and Recreation Plan
Beginning nearly 40 years ago and continuing through today, Easton has been at the forefront of open space preservation for the enjoyment and benefit of its citizens. The Open Space and Recreation plan is an important tool used by the town to assess its open space and recreation needs and to establish goals and actions to meet those needs. Towns must also keep their plans updated in order to maintain eligibility for certain funding and grants at the State level.
The Open Space and Recreation Plan, updated in 2008 and approved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation is available for review in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development, or by clicking on this link: Easton Open Space and Recreation Plan.
November 6, 2009
Flood Insurance Rate Maps/Notice of Fee Change
Looking for your flood insurance map? Visit the FEMA website here. You can print a FIRMette (small-scale, printer-friendly Flood Insurance Rate map) for free! Large-format flood maps may also be ordered directly from FEMA.
For more information on obtaining a flood insurance rate map, contact the FEMA Map Servicing Center at FEMA-MSCservice@dhs.gov or 1-800-358-9616.
Effective November 9, there will be a $5.00 fee for to print a FIRMETTE at Town Offices. Large-format copies of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) will continue to be available for $5.
October 5, 2009
Fair & Affordable Housing Partnership at the Harvest Fair
The Easton Fair & Affordable Housing Partnership presented information for first-time homebuyers and residents looking for housing or home repoar assistance at this year's Harvest Fair, held at the Natural Resource Trust's Sheep Pasture. For more informaiton on housing programs available to Easton residents, click here.
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September 14, 2009
Public Information Session: Affordable Housing Development on Town Owned Land
Please join the Fair and Affordable Housing Partnership for a public information session to review the proposal to develop 12A Highland Street as an affordable single-family, three-bedroom house and discuss the findings of the study to determine the feasibility of the development of two town-owned parcels as affordable housing.
At the Special Town Meeting this year, Easton voters will be asked to approve a warrant article to authorize the Board of Selectmen to donate or sell 12A Highland Street for the purpose of developing a single three-bedroom affordable house on the lot. A feasibility study performed earlier this year found the lot to be suitable for this type of development, and South Shore Habitat for Humanity has expressed interest in partnering with the Town to develop the lot.
September 8, 2009
Requests for Proposals to Conduct Historic Properties Survey in North Easton Village
The Easton Historical Commission is seeking proposals from consultants to conduct an historic property survey to assess and document approximately 150 selected cultural and architectural resources within the North Easton National Register Historic District.
The North Easton National Register Historical District was evaluated and listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1972. The goal of this project is to enhance the information submitted durnig that nomination process and create a building-by-building property list for the district.
The North Easton district is recognized nationwide for its association with Easton’s Ames Family, the impact industrial enterprises had on the nation and the important architectural legacy they left the town of Easton. Visited by students and architectural scholars internationally, North Easton maintains a rich and unique assemblage of 19th and 20th century structures and landscapes that include the H.H. Richardson National Historic Landmark District – a non-contiguous district of five landmark buildings by Richardson- as well as Olmsted landscaping. The full spectrum of a 19th century industrial village is well preserved, with the factory buildings that were the origins of the wealth and the district itself still intact to worker housing and associated church and municipal structures.
Consultants interested in submitting proposals may view the full RFP at North Easton Village Historic Properties Survey RFP. Responses are to be received at the Town Offices no later than 10:00am, Thursday, October 1, 2009.
MassHighway works with local officials to prepare Road Safety Audits
The purpose of a Road Safety Audit (RSA) is to identify potential safety issues and possible opportunities for safety improvements considering all roadway users. The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) requested that MassHighway conduct an RSA of three intersections within the Town of Easton to identify both short and long term safety improvements that can be made at the the intersection of Washington Street (Route 138) and Elm Street and at the intersection of Washington Street and Union Street. (Click the name of the intersection to read the report.)
Back to topAugust 13
Planning & Zoning Board to Review Rules and Regulations
At its regular meeting on August 17, the Planning & Zoning Board will review the Subdivision Rules and Regulations and Administrative Rules and Regulations, as part of its annual regulations review.
Proposed changes to the Subdivision Rules and Regulations are designed to improve the clarity of regulations, and reduce the costs to the Town and the environmental impacts of new development, consist with the recommendations of the Stormwater Managemant/Low Impact Development Task Force memo (click here to read the memo; click here to read proposed changes).
The next hearing on this subject is scheduled for September 14, 2009. Please check the Planning & Zoning Board agenda.
July 27, 2009; amended August 7, 2009
Request for Propopsals: Design Services for Renovation of Frothingham Hall
In May 2008, the Town of Easton purchased the historic Frothingham Hall for use as a new Recreation and Senior Center. The building is currently the temporary home of the Ames Free Library while the library building undergoes its own renovation. The Town of Easton is seeking proposals from qualified design and interior architecture firms to provide full architectural and engineering services for renovations and related infrastructure and landscape improvements at Frothingham Hall to convert the structure to its new use.
Copies of the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Office of the Town Administrator at Easton Town Hall, 136 Elm Street, North Easton, MA or at http://www.easton.ma.us/Directory/Notices/FrothinghamRFP.pdf
A pre-proposal conference will be held on site (15 Barrows Street), *Monday* August 31, 2009 at 9AM. A tour of the Project site will follow the pre-proposal conference. Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended that all prospective proposers attend. Pre-registration for this event is not necessary.
Applicants should be a U.S.-based, full-service architecture and/or exhibition design firm with experience in municipal contracts, interior renovations, and LEED certification. At a minimum, firms will be required to provide design, life-cycle cost analysis, and on-site supervision consistent with the successful implementation of the project.
The Project encompasses full planning, architectural, engineering and construction administration services necessary to convert an existing historic municipal building, Frothingham Hall, from its current use as a library to function as a Community Center. Services sought include design of: municipal office space for the Council on Aging and Recreation Department; shared activity space to house the activities of the Council on Aging and Recreation Programs, easily convertible to accommodate a variety of uses; site design, including parking and stormwater management.
Applications must be received at Town Hall by 4:30 PM on September 15, 2009. Proposals will be reviewed by the Frothingham Hall Steering Committee.
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July 22, 2009
Queset Commons Joint Hearing to be Continued to July 29
The Planning & Zoning Board and the Conservation Commission will meet tonight to consider continuing the Joint Hearing to next Wedenesday, July 29. No presentations will be made by staff or the applicants.
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Clean Energy and Industrial Efficiency - Program Opportunity Announcement:
Is your industrial equipment in need of an upgrade? DOER has released a Program Opportunity Notice that will provide grant funding for combined heat and power (CHP), district energy systems, industrial waste energy recovery, and efficient industrial equipment in Massachusetts.
Instructions on submitting applications and queries are attached below and more details are available at the DOER main website under the heading “NEW ARRA Funding: Clean Energy.”
June 26, 2009
Chapter 40B: Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the Comprehensive Permit process? Read Frequently Asked Questions on Chapter 40B.
June 18, 2009
Request for Quotes: Feasibility Study
The Town of Easton’s Community Preservation Committee is seeking assistance in developing a feasibility study to determine whether a two-family home can be sited on each of two town-owned lots, 249 Prospect Street, and 12A Highland Street. The Town is working with a local nonprofit housing developer, the BIC/Nehemiah Partnership. If the feasibility study is favorable, the Town intends to move forward with a Local Initiative Program (LIP) to develop the lots as affordable housing.
Please see the full request for quotes.
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Langwater Conservation Area benefits from Keller Williams RED Day event
The Langwater Conservation Management Area received a sprucing up on Thursday, May 14, as members of the Easton Keller Williams Realty team participated in RED Day. Short for “Renew, Energize and Donate,” RED Day was created by Keller Williams Realty Inc. to give back to its communities across the United States and Canada.
Led by Barry Papagno, operating principal and Charlie Lima, Agent Partner, the Keller Williams team of ten removed over eight bags of debris, including glass, cans, paper and boards, from the site.
The Langwater Conservation Management Area consists of 20 acres of land overlooking Langwater Pond and was gifted to the town in 2002 by Oliver and Esther Ames. The area features a deep wooded buffer leading to the pond and offers a panoramic view of the pond from a rock outcropping. Many locals enjoy walking through the area and taking in the peaceful view from the rock. It is also a favorite haunt of local young people. Back to top
Second Public Information Session, Funding to Support Affordable Housing on Town-Owned Land
- Fair & Affordable Housing Partnership Meeting
- Wednesday, May 13, 2009
- 6:30 P.M.
- Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Room
At Town Meeting this year, Easton voters will be asked to approve a request to fund pre-development activities at 12A Highland Street and 249 Prospect Street, to determine if these town-owned parcels are suitable for development of one two-family home on each lot, as shown in the photograph at right.
If approved, BIC/Nehemiah, a local nonprofit, will use the funds to pay for engineering and survey work, including:
- Development of a survey plan for each lot
- Hiring an engineer to perform soil tests, to determine if the site is suitable for a septic system
- Preparation of preliminary site plans, which would be submitted to Town boards for approval
Funding requested will be used to determine whether the land is suitable for building. No construction activities will go forward without the further approval of Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen.
Back to topEaston Receives EPA Environmental Merit Award
The Town of Easton was among the recipients of the EPA's 2009 Environmental Merit Award honored at a reception and ceremony at Fanueil Hall in Boston, on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. The Town was nominated for the award by the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) for its ongoing commitment to environmental protection and advocacy.
Beginning nearly 40 years ago and continuing through today, the active support of its citizens has kept Easton at the forefront of open space preservation and environmental protection. Regionally, Easton has long been known as a leader in:
- Open space preservation, with over 3,000 acres under conservation;
- Water conservation and watershed protection;
- Wetlands protection; and,
- Environmental advocacy and planning.
More recently Easton has made efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating more walkable communities, and created a Green Communities Task Force to investigate ways to reduce municipal consumption of fuel and electricity. In 2008, Easton was recognized by the Executive Office of Transportation as the “Rookie of the Year” for its Safe Routes to Schools Program. (Read the full description of Easton's environmental accomplishments here.)
The merit awards, which have been given out by the EPA since 1970, honor individuals and groups who have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts to preserve the region's environment.
April 23, 2009
Farm Viability Program Applications Available
The Farm Viability Program provides business planning, technical assistance program provides management advice and grants of up to $75,000 to implement farm growth and sustainability strategies. Applications and program information are available on line at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website www.mass.gov/agr, or you can request a copy of the application by calling the Farm Viability Program at 617-626-1723. The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday June 25, 2009.
April 16, 2009
Zoning Amendments for May, 2009
The Planning & Zoning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss the following proposed amendments to the Zoning By Law on April 27, 2009. Click each one to see the full text.
- Adoption of New Zoning Map
- Changes to Stormwater Management, Adoption of Most Recent Flood Insurance Rate Map
- Correction of various typos, minor inconsistencies in zoning code
April 6. 2008
South Coast Rail Scope Narrowed to Three Alternatives
The scope of environmental review for the South Coast Rail project has been narrowed to three alternatives, the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) announced today. The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has narrowed down the list of alternatives to rail via Attleboro, rail via Stoughton and a Rapid Bus alternative. The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) will now study the three options, along with a No Build option, in its draft state and federal environmental impact documents.
Click here for Secretary's Certificate on the ENF
A preferred alternative will likely be named in the draft environmental document, slated to be released around Labor Day 2009. The selection of a route will not be final until the final environmental document is complete, expected in spring of 2010.
Questions? Looking for something you don't see? Call our office at 508-230-0630, or email the Acting Director of Planning & Community Development, Alice Savage.