Land Use Options - Station 2
Participants were given three stickers and asked to place them at the image of their preferred development scenario. No matter the color of the sticker, it represents one 'vote' for the corresponding category. Not all uses were represented by the graphics, so those wanting additional choices added them to the charts, however the lack of some choices (i.e. standard and PCD subdivisions) may have skewed the results as they were not available until late in the voting.
The following were the votes cast:
While affordable housing was not specifically listed as a choice, it provoked a variety of discussion from participants with a few saying they wanted to see affordable housing as part of any development scenario and others stating that they did not want to see this as they felt it could adversely affect property values.
Additional Comments made included the point that ideally all of the parcels would be available for “master planning” up front so that piecemeal design and development does not occur.
Several people expressed interest in the fate of the historical Randall Homestead, now the Golf Course Clubhouse building and wanted to see it preserved as part of any scenario. The idea of a restaurant was proposed.
There was concern that any significant commercial development on this land could “move the town center” which was viewed as undesirable. At the same time, the benefit of a neighborhood or convenience store was recognized, both for the development and the surrounding area.
Overall, participants struggled with the choice between typical or PCD single family subdivision development which would be at a relatively low density and number of units vs. the higher number of units that would occur from some of the other housing options. There was the strong sense that the final outcome should be design that is “uniquely Stow” with a mix of uses that complement the town’s strong tradition and reputation for rural agri-tourism and recreational tourism (e.g. golf and farms), versus a cookie cutter type of development more suited for urban and suburban areas. Ideas along these lines included: cross country skiing, a ropes course, boating access to the Assabet and Wheeler Pond, nature tours, and an athletic facility, continuing golf course use (private or municipal), ballfields, community gardens, etc.
