Government Contract | Massachusetts
Community Vision and Character Plan & Master Plan

Specifications include, but are not limited to: In 2015, Braintree embarked on a comprehensive re-write of the Towns ZoningBylaws/Ordinance including several text amendments and rezones to the Towns zoning map.As the first draft of the proposed Comprehensive Zoning began to move through the PlanningBoards public hearing process, it became apparent from comments from residents, the generalpublic and other stakeholders, that there was a difference of opinion as to how Braintree shouldbe redeveloped, developed and grow in the future. There was a consensus of the residents andelected officials that a Master Plan should be done first before any new Comprehensive Zoningshould be considered for adoption. The Comprehensive Zoning Amendments were withdrawn.The Towns last Master Plan update was completed in 1998. Since 1998, the Town hasexperienced growth in almost all sectors: residential, industrial, commercial, service, retail anddining, institutional and non-profit. In 2008, the form of government changed from a Board ofSelectmen/representative Town Meeting to a strong Mayor/Town Council form of government.The Town being strategically located near two major highways, having significant public transitoptions, a significant commercial tax base and a low residential tax rate has both benefits andimpacts. The result of our good fortune has left us with a need for major infrastructureimprovements to accommodate the mix of cars, trucks, buses, trains, etc. and people. Our goodfortune has also resulted in the encroachment of commercial activity in residential areas - whichhas negatively affected quality of life in certain areas of the town. It has also left us with a needto address other quality of life issues such as traffic enforcement/regulation, parking supply,regulation and enforcement, and, pedestrian/bicycle safety. In addition, we, like many othertowns, will need to address housing supply challenges and be creative when planning forexcess/reuse of commercial and retail space.