Powder Mill Road Corridor Initiative

P1222852
Powder Mill Road Corridor Initiative

Powder Mill Road Corridor Initiative

A Collaboration between the Towns of Acton and Maynard

About the Project
Connecting Maynard, Acton, and West Concord, the Powder Mill Road Corridor consists of approximately one mile in Maynard and a half mile in Acton. For the past two years, MAPC, the Town of Acton, and the Town of Maynard have worked together to create a long-term community-oriented strategy for the corridor to guide how future growth occurs. The strategy recommended that the Towns work together to create an overlay zoning district that supports walkable, mixed-use developments, advances complete streets transportation options, and expands access to the Assabet River. This zoning initiative, Phase II of the project, seeks to make Powder Mill Road a more welcoming place for people to live, visit, and spend time.

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MAPC Contact

Sarah Scott, Regional Land Use Planner II

 

Town Contacts

Kaila Sauer, Town of Acton
Bill Nemser, Town of Maynard

Timeline

Fall/Winter 2022

  • Community Forums
  • Focus Groups
  • Preliminary Zoning Amendments


Winter/Spring 2023

  • Focus Groups
  • Complete Streets Policies
  • River Access Policies


Summer/Fall 2023

  • Community Forums
  • Finalize Overlay Zoning District Standards 


Winter/Spring 2024

  • Draft Zoning Language
  • Town Meetings Consider Zoning Amendments 

What is Happening Now

The Towns of Acton and Maynard have drafted separate zoning amendments to implement the recommendations developed through the Powder Mill Road Corridor project. In Acton, the zoning is called the Assabet River Overlay District; in Maynard, the zoning is called the Powder Mill Overlay District. The zoning amendments will be included in the warrant articles for spring town meeting in both towns. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Past Events

February 13, 2024
Acton Planning Board Meeting

Watch the Recording of the Meeting
View the Powerpoint Slides

During this meeting discussions focused on technical issues and final recommendations for the Powder Mill Road corridor, as well as collaboration between Acton and Maynard on the creation of a community-oriented strategy for the corridor, infrastructure considerations, and potential zoning changes.

November 15, 2023
Open House

View the information shared at the open house

The project team held an open house for community members to stop by and learn about the draft proposed overlay zoning districts in Acton and Maynard. A series of posters explained the goals of the project, the vision for the corridor, and specific zoning standards for the proposed zoning districts.

September 19, 2023
Joint Planning Board Meeting

Watch the Recording of the Meeting
View the Powerpoint Slides

The Acton and Maynard Planning Boards met jointly to review feedback from community engagement to-date and discuss the proposed zoning framework. MAPC presented a draft map of zoning subdistricts as well as draft zoning standards for the proposed overlay zoning district. Planning Board members shared their ideas and questions.

September 28, 2022
Community Forum

Watch the Recording of the Meeting
View the Powerpoint Slides
View the Poll Results

MAPC presented the findings from Phase I and reviewed what things would be addressed in a future overlay zoning district along the Powder Mill corridor. Over 60 people attended and answered poll questions throughout the event about the types of new developments they would like to see along the corridor.

September 13, 2022
Joint Planning Board Meeting

Watch the Recording of the Meeting
View the Powerpoint Slides

The Acton and Maynard Planning Boards met jointly to kick off Phase II of the Powder Mill Road Corridor Initiative. MAPC recapped the Phase I redevelopment strategy recommendations and discussed what could be included in an overlay zoning district. Planning Board members shared their ideas and questions.

The Powder Mill Road Corridor

This project is being led by the Town of Acton Planning Board and Town of Maynard Planning Board. The project is made possible by technical assistance from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Planning Grants, and the Department of Housing and Community Development.