Planners outline draft vision for Canton Junction neighborhood

Following a months-long, collaborative process of information gathering, brainstorming, and analysis, Town Planner Laura Smead and Chris Kuschel, senior regional planner from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), returned to the Canton Public Library on September 25 to outline a draft vision and “illustrative plan” for the future of the Canton Junction area.

Canton Junction train station (George Comeau photo)

Based on input obtained at a previous public forum held in the spring as well as an online survey, the latest plan, although still preliminary, contains recommendations for various housing options as well as commercial and community spaces. Example sites identified for possible future development include lots at 656 Chapman and 433 Neponset streets (adjoining), 600 Chapman Street, 399/403 Neponset Street, 99 Jackson Street, and the MBTA lot at 666 Sherman Street.

The purpose of the planning study, which is being funded through a grant from the MAPC, is to determine what uses could be viable and desirable in the Canton Junction area given current market conditions while being sensitive to the long-range vision for the town and neighborhood.

This effort is being undertaken with the understanding that current landowners have “no immediate plans to sell or significantly redevelop their property.” However, Smead said the findings will be useful to include in the ongoing Canton Master Plan update (expected later this fall).

The primary study area spans roughly 40 acres between Chapman Street, Neponset Street and the railroad tracks and currently includes a mix of residential, commercial and industrial properties. A secondary study area is located on the other side of the Paul Revere Heritage Site east of Revere Street.

Smead and Kuschel said that based upon the feedback they have received thus far, the Canton Junction area would appear to represent a good opportunity for future revitalization with the potential to accommodate a mix of uses, ranging from residential units to retail/restaurant space to light industrial uses. Public feedback also noted the need for a more cohesive “feel” to the area as well as a need to incorporate pedestrian-bicycle connectivity, the presence of open space, and the development of “high quality urban design and architecture.”

The area between Chapman and Jackson streets was envisioned as a “transitional zone” between the abutting single-family residences and the more intensive development between Jackson, Neponset, and the railroad tracks. Ideas for the transitional area include townhouses and “cottage cluster development” along with the potential for some commercial uses. The area along the railroad tracks was envisioned as accommodating mixed-use development, including a suggested multi-family building with a small retail portion on the MBTA lot. (Such a project would require the replacement of affected MBTA parking.)

As for the draft vision statement, residents and planners envision a neighborhood that “fully takes advantage of its location in the town — centered around a commuter rail station, adjacent to the Paul Revere Heritage Site, and walkable to the downtown.”

The neighborhood, according to the vision statement, will feature a “mix of uses that serve residents and commuters, including cafes, restaurants, shops, and services,” as well as a variety of housing choices at various price points that will serve train commuters, older residents looking to “age in place,” and younger residents seeking starter homes.

The statement also characterizes a future Canton Junction as having its own distinct feel. “It will be easy to get around the neighborhood in a variety of ways with comfortable sidewalks, multi-use paths, safe crossings, and to the extent possible accommodations for safe bicycle travel. It will connect seamlessly to the Paul Revere Heritage Site, the downtown, and other parts of Canton.”

Residents who were unable to attend the recent forum but would still like to offer their input can do so via the survey available at www.town.canton.ma.us/736/Canton-Junction-Planning. The page also contains links to the presentation materials from both the March 27 public visioning workshop and the September 25 public forum.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Oct 12 2019. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.