Office of Planning and Community Development
Denise M. Gaffey
Director and City Planner
(781) 979-4190
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) to protect and enhance the quality of life in Melrose . To accomplish this mission OPCD provides long range planning, manages the capital improvement program, reviews and recommends changes in zoning, applies for and administers grants and community development programs and implements special projects. Additionally, OPCD supports the work of several Boards and Commissions in the City and reviews all major land use proposals, including subdivision plans and significant residential and commercial development proposals.
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Staff
Director and City Planner
Denise Gaffey
dgaffey@cityofmelrose.org
Assistant Planner
Matthew Hennigan
mhennigan@cityofmelrose.org
Accounting Manager and GIS Analyst
Jane Pitts
jpitts@cityofmelrose.org
Energy Efficiency Manager
Martha Grover
mgrover@cityofmelrose.org
Contact Information:
City Hall
562 Main Street
Second Floor
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone: 781-979-4190
Fax: 781-979-4290
OPCD@cityofmelrose.org
Hours of Operation:
The Office is open in conjunction with City Hall Hours:
8:30AM-4:00PM Monday-Thursday
8:30AM-12:30PM Fridays
Staff may also be reached by phone on Friday afternoons.
Introduction to Melrose
Melrose is primarily a residential community, whose development started in the mid 1800s as a result of the completion of the Boston & Maine Railroad which made Melrose easily accessible from Boston. In the late 1800s many Victorian homes were built and the 1920s and 1930s saw construction of many homes as well. Currently over 86% of developed land (and 56% of all land) in Melrose is used for residential purposes.
Melrose has a central downtown business area and three neighborhood commercial areas clustered around the three commuter rail stations. There are two industrial and service commercial areas in Melrose; one on Route 99 and the other is an area on Tremont Street. Commercial and industrial areas comprise 7% of developed land (5% of all land).
Melrose is a short 13 minute commuter train ride to Boston and is only 7 miles from Logan airport. Melrose is a "Garden City" with a "greenbelt" that separates it from other communities. This greenbelt includes several recreation resources including the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Pine Banks Park,Mt.Hood Memorial Park and Golf Course, Bellevue Country Club, and the Conservation areas around and including Towners and Swains Ponds. Open space and recreation areas in the City comprise 27% of all land in Melrose.
Although there is little available land for new residential subdivisions the City continues to see redevelopment activities in the downtown and other commercial areas. In the past three years, the Planning Board has reviewed and permitted two significant redevelopment proposals: Oak Grove Village, a mixed-use residential community to be built on 15 acres located on the Melrose/Malden border and Station Crossing, a 48-unit Condominium building currently being built on Willow Street, the former site of Melrose Bowl.
Planning for the Future
The Melrose Master Plan
(click here to download the Master Plan)
The City of Melrose seeks to maintain its position as a family oriented community with a high quality of life for its residents, a stable and diverse mix of commercial services, and numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. The Master Plan creates a framework through which the community’s unique character will be promoted and preserved.
–Vision statement of the Melrose Master Plan.
The Melrose Master Plan is a tool to guide City officials and residents as they work to anticipate and prepare for future challenges, shape areas with the potential for change, identify ways to improve the community, and protect and enhance the unique character of Melrose. The Master Plan focuses on physical aspects of the city, takes a long-range perspective, and emphasizes strategies and implementation. The Master Plan is a living document, which should be used as a springboard for dialogue, planning, and action and should be revised and updated on a regular basis.
The Master Plan provides useful data on Melrose’s demographic makeup, land use profile, economic situation, and predicted future trends in these three areas. It highlights the community’s goals for the future and it provides specific strategies to reach these goals.
The Melrose Master Plan was most recently revised in 2004. The Master Plan Advisory Committee wrote the Melrose Master Plan 2004, adopted by the Planning Board in June of 2004, with assistance from Taintor Associates, a consultant retained by OPCD through the state Executive Order 418 program. The Committee Members, who were appointed by the Mayor, represent diverse sectors and interests of our community, including the environment, historic resources, affordable housing, schools, and the business community.
Melrose Master Plan Committee Membership:
Community Representatives
Peter Bowman, Chair
Alderman Gail Infurna
Charlene Weekley
Anne DeSouza-Ward
Steve Gould
Joan Cassidy
Dr. Jane Desforges
Philip Kukura
Andrew Gallup
Mike Henry
City Representatives
Mayor Robert J. Dolan
Denise Gaffey, Director, OPCD
Jack Beckley, Director, Council on Aging
Holly Killmer Regan, Assistant Planner
The Mayor strongly endorses the Master Plan and work toward implementing the strategies identified in the plan is underway. Planning for Melrose’s future is an important and rewarding task in which all members of the community have a role.
Previous Planning Efforts
In 2000, OPCD updated the City’s Open Space and Recreation Plan. This effort provided a five-year plan for improvements to the City's park system and was incorporated into the new Master Plan. The previous version of the open space plan resulted in a new successful model for the management and operation of the Mt. Hood Memorial Park and Golf Course as well as an overall Master Plan for improvements at Mt. Hood. The Mt. Hood Master Plan was the impetus for a $2 million improvement project completed in the mid-90’s, which included $1 million in funding from the State’s Urban Self Help Grant program. An effort was recently initiated to update the Melrose Open Space and Recreation Plan. A revised Plan is expected to be submitted to the state in 2005.
In late 1997, OPCD took on the responsibility for the School Building Program and for implementing the School Facilities Master Plan, which was originally approved in 1997. OPCD managed design and construction of the new Lincoln School , which opened in September 2000 and the new Roosevelt School , which opened in September 2002. Each of these projects will received state reimbursement of 67% of the costs including interest on the bonds being used to pay for the project. OPCD also coordinated the design and construction of the new Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School which opened in September of 2007.
In 1996, OPCD completed a Police and Fire Station Facilities Plan and assisted in the development of a MIS/GIS plan for the networking of the City’s computers. OPCD also assisted in the Schools Technology Plan, which was completed and approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education in spring 1996. Based on the Technology Plan the Schools received grant funding from the state in spring 1997. The Technology Plan efforts are being guided by the School’s Technology Council.
In 1995, OPCD completed master plans for Memorial Hall and Ell Pond and was responsible for the design and construction of the Milano Senior Center. OPCD has been responsible for implementing the Memorial Hall Master Plan and oversaw the construction of four phases of preservation work, totaling 1.2 million.
In 1993, OPCD prepared the Blueprint for Melrose 1993-1995. The Blueprint for Melrose was a working plan for the management and operation of the City of Melrose. It was based on input from all of the City departments. Much of this plan was implemented including an array of new management approaches that make City services more efficient, development of a five year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) several projects of which are well underway, implementation of a sewer and water enterprise fund, and several privatization initiatives.
Zoning
Melrose Zoning Ordinance and Map (click here)
In 1926, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of zoning, ruling it appropriate to limit an individual's property rights in the best interest of the general public. In Massachusetts, zoning is authorized through the Mass General Laws, Chapter 40A. In Melrose, the Zoning Ordinance describes the rules and regulations regarding how land is developed locally.
Parties building or renovating a structure or changing an element of a lot should consult the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that the project complies with the City's rules and regulations. When a proposed project does not comply with the Zoning Ordinance, the party has the option to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals that would allow the petitioner to build out of compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. Some types of building projects require a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board . The Zoning Ordinance explains in what cases a special permit is required, what requirements must be met to be eligible for a special permit, and the process of applying for a special permit.
The recently revised Master Plan, approved in June of 2004, recommends several changes and additions to the Melrose Zoning Ordinance in order to provide the City with more tools to guide development in a manner that protects and enhances the resources of Melrose. Recent zoning amendment actions include the following:
Affordable Housing Incentive Zoning Special Permit—Residential developments of five or more units are required to provide 10% of the total number of units as affordable. In return, developers are allowed to increase the density of the development by the number of affordable units required as appropriate. The purpose of this ordinance is to help develop affordable housing options to meet the diverse housing needs of Melrose's community members.
Site Plan Review—All new industrial or commercial uses, new residential developments of four or more, extensions in excess of 2,500 sq. ft. of an existing industrial, commercial, or multi-family use, or the construction or expansion of a parking lot for a municipal, institutional, commercial, industrial, or multi-family structure or purpose requires a review by the Planning Board to ensure that the proposal meets the City's standards and character.
Subdivision Regulations
The Planning Board is the body responsible for administering the subdivision regulations. Any party considering subdividing land into lots which do not have adequate frontage must apply to the Planning Board for approval. The Planning Board, with assistance from OPCD staff, review subdivision proposals to ensure they meet the City and State requirements and fit well with the character of Melrose. A copy of the Subdivision Regulations may be purchased at the Office of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.
School Building Program
In December 1997, OPCD took on the responsibility for the School Building Program and implementing the Melrose Schools Facilities Master Plan. New school building projects include the Lincoln Elementary School, which opened in 2000 and the new Roosevelt Elementary School, which opened in 2002, and the new Veterans Memorial Middle School, which opened in in 2007.
Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School (click here)
The new Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School opened in September 2007. Design for the new Middle School began in earnest in March of 2004 following a successful debt exclusion vote the proceeding fall. Tappe Associates, the Architect for the Roosevelt School and for earlier design work on the Middle School, was selected to design the new building. The new building is 220,000 square feet with four stories to accommodate three teams in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. This new facility also contains state-of-the-art smart board technology in every classroom, a 900 seat auditorium and a multi-court gymnasium.
Middle School Solar Panel Grant from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The City of Melrose received a $340,000 grant to design and construct a30-kilowatt solar array on the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School. Click on the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School for more information onthe live monitoring status of the system.
Roosevelt School (click here)
The new Roosevelt School opened in September 2002. The complete demolition of the old structure and construction of a 69,500 square foot building was completed over an 18-month period. The new facility contains state-of-the-art education technology available to all students, including computers and television monitors in each classroom with cable TV and Internet access. This $11.8 million project also contains additional classrooms for music, art, and physical/occupational therapy, and a regulation, full sized, 7,000 square foot gymnasium.
Lincoln School (click here)
The new Lincoln School facility was completed in September 2000. The facility is a combination of a complete renovation of the 21,000 square foot original building built in 1896 and a new 44,000 square foot addition to the rear. This $10.3 million project includes 18 classrooms, gymnasium, cafetorium with a stage, library media center, computer lab, art room, and a music room. State of the art educational technology was included as part of the project.
Community Development
Sign and Façade Grant Program – OPCD provides grants to business applicants for up to 50% of the cost of attractive business signs and façade improvement. The maximum grant is $1,000 for a sign and $500 for a façade improvement. In fiscal year 2009, OPCD approved 10 sign and façade grants. Applications for a sign and façade improvement grant can be picked-up at OPCD. Applications must be received and approved before any work on the project begins.
OPCD provides staff support to the following Boards and Commissions:
Planning Board, Historic District Commission, & Community Development Council
The Planning Board
The Planning Board is made up of nine volunteer members, who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Aldermen. The following is a list of current members:
Carla Francazio, Chair
Anne DeSouza-Ward, Clerk
Mike Cassavoy
Edward Cassidy
Richard Connolly
Paul King
Robert Mercado
Jack Welch
The Planning Board has several different responsibilities, including the following six major ones. The Planning Board administers the Subdivision Regulations, meaning the Board reviews and makes a decision as to whether a subdivision proposal is approved, approved with conditions, or denied. The Board is the special permit granting authority for particular special permits as described in section 235.61 of the Melrose Zoning Ordinance, meaning that the Board reviews and makes a decision on applications for these special permits. The Board reviews all Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) cases (applications for a variance or a special permit from the Melrose Zoning Ordinance) and provides a non-binding recommendation to the ZBA regarding the case. The Board proposes zoning amendments to the Board of Aldermen and plays a role in reviewing proposed amendments received by the Board of Aldermen. This role involves holding a public hearing and submitting a written report to the Board of Aldermen before they vote. The Planning Board has the authority to officially approve a Master Plan. The Board most recently approved the latest revision of the Master Plan in June of 2004 (click on Master Plan at the top of the page to view it online). And lastly, with the recent adoption of Site Plan Review, the Planning Board is charged with evaluating the impact on the community of residential, commercial, and industrial projects that meet the threshold for review. When appropriate, the Site Plan Review Committee of the Planning Board will require alterations in the projects to mitigate impacts.
The Planning Board is supported by the staff of the Office of Planning and Community Development who offers administrative assistance as well as guidance on the technical and theoretical aspects of planning.
The Planning Board meets the fourth Monday of every Month, unless otherwise posted, and schedules Design Review and Zoning Sub-Committee meetings as well as special full board meetings and public hearings on an as-needed basis.
Planning BoardMinutes and Agenda
(click here to download minutes and agendas from Planning Board Meetings starting from January 2006)
The Historic District Commission
The Historic District Commission is made up of seven volunteer members and three alternates, who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Aldermen. The City ordinance establishing the Historic District enumerates that the membership of the Commission shall include: one member nominated by the local historical societies, one member nominated by the Massachusetts society of the American Institute of Architects, one member nominated by the Boston Society of Landscape Architect, one member nominated by the Eastern Middlesex Board of Realtors, a lawyer, and one or more residents, owners or renters of property in the historic district to be administered by the Commission. The following is a list of current members:
L. Bradley Hutchinson, Chairman
Philip F. Kukura, Vice Chairman
Stephen E. Casey
Charlene A. Marinelli
Robert E. Sherman
Judith Q. Sullivan
Michael D. Coleman
David Gerson, Alternate
Map of Melrose Historic District
Certificate of Appropriateness Application
The Commission aims to restore and maintain the high quality historic features of the downtown area, which enhances the village-feel and sense of place within the City's center. An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness must be completed for all construction or alteration of exterior features within the Downtown Melrose Historic District, located along Main Street between Foster and Emerson Streets. The Commission, which meets on an as-needed basis, reviews all applications and votes to grant, grant with conditions, or deny the application. A Certificate must be obtained before a building permit will be issued for projects within the Historic District.
The Historic District Commission is supported by the staff of the Office of Planning and Community Development.
The Community Development Council
The Community Development Council (CDC) is a volunteer group of residents appointed by the Mayor to ensure broad-based citizen participation in community planning. The CDC meets quarterly, to consult with OPCD about grant programs and other community development issues. The following is a list of current members:
Steve Gould, Chair (Ward 1 appointment)
Kathleen Rossi-Roh, Vice Chair (Alderman-At-Large appointment)
Leslie Brown (Mayoral appointment)
Eileen Hamblin (Alderman-At-Large appointment)
Robert Lucien (Alderman-At-Large appointment)
Julie Ventola (Ward 4 appointment)
Randy Ventura (Ward 5 Alderman Appointment)
Vacant (Ward 2,3,6, & 7 Appointment)