Planning Board removes four-story option from Lincoln housing choice zoning draft

LINCOLN — January 9, 2024 — Lincoln Planning Board drops four-story height option from Housing Choice Act zoning draft. Members reached consensus Jan. 9 to remove a special permit pathway that would have allowed buildings up to 48 feet and four stories in the proposed village center district around the Lincoln Mall. Co-Chair Lynn DeLisi said four stories was "just too high" for the mall area, and Member Margaret Olson, previously the strongest proponent, conceded that the 33 percent commercial requirement made the additional story "not worth it." The board tabled the front-setback question along Lincoln Road after planner Paula Vaughn reported a discrepancy between town GIS — which places RLF parking in the public right of way — and recent private surveys showing the parking entirely on RLF property. The board also unanimously approved a 38-by-22-inch window sign for Beacon Driving School at 160 Lincoln Road.