Planning Board advances draft 3A zoning, defers density and commercial questions

LINCOLN — November 20, 2023 — Lincoln Planning Board narrows 3A zoning draft but leaves density and commercial floors unresolved. At a Nov. 20 working session, the board walked through a Nov. 16 draft section by section, capping live-work units at five non-resident workers, requiring parking behind or under buildings "except as approved by the Planning Board," and tightening the Village Center to three stories and 42 feet by right, with a fourth story and 48 feet allowed only by special permit at least 100 feet back. Co-Chair Gary Taylor pushed unsuccessfully for 15 percent affordable units, warning the town will "get behind on the SHI over time" at the draft's 10 percent. The board tentatively settled on 33 percent commercial floor area with special-permit relief. Co-Chair Margaret Olson will draft a 3-to-4-page bylaw summary by week's end ahead of the Nov. 28 meeting and the Dec. 2 town preference vote.