Comprehensive Plan Open House - Mar 26th, 2026

Presentation given in the High School Cafeteria.

The effort to update the town's comprehensive plan has produced a draft document. Stantec provides an overview, and there will be time for the public to provide feedback on plan strategies.

(Steve Kearney, Stantec) Mr. Kearney says we're currently in the plan development stage, which will include surveys to gather input on the draft strategies. Outreach has included events, pop up tabling, focus groups, and the project website. The goal is to represent the overall vision of the community, which is a large and diverse set of people.

Mr. Kearney lists the chapter areas in the plan. They're interrelated and none of them exist in a silo.

(Phil Schaeffing, Stantec) Mr. Schaeffing presents the vision statement, which has evolved over the course of the process.

The land use chapter reflects how land is used. It recommends a strategic reassessment of redevelopment uses, especially along Mass Ave and Broadway. It also recommends reviewing zoning as an important tool.

The economic development chapter recommends developing a strategic economic plan, and streamlining regulations and the permitting process. It also recommends looking at placemaking, communications, and marketing.

The housing chapter recommends allowing more types of housing in more locations, aligning housing with net-zero goals, and increasing the development of ADUs.

The connectivity chapter recommends adopting a vision zero plan, evaluating parking policies in light of other goals, improving north-south connectivity, adding parking benefits districts, and advocating for improved MBTA service.

The historic and cultural resources chapter suggests an update to the arts and culture plan.

The natural resources and open space chapter focuses on sustainability and resilience. Arlington should continue doing things that work. It recommends mitigating heat islands and flooding, expanding the tree canopy, and expanding the use of natives.

The public facilities chapter recommends reducing building-related emissions, leveraging technology to improve resident interactions with the town, improving field usage and maintenance, modernizing spaces, and moving towards zero waste.

These chapters are followed by an implementation matrix, which is meant to be a tracking tool for town staff. It identifies strategy leads, partners, and suggested timeframes for implementation. Some strategies can be done in the near term, while others are long-term efforts.

There is a comment form on the town website, which will remain open until April 12.