Hanson Planning Board Continues Smart Growth Zoning Hearing to June 9

HANSON — May 12, 2025 — Hanson Planning Board continues public hearing on proposed 40R smart growth and 40Y starter home zoning overlay along Main Street. Consultants from Verdantis, retained through a 2024 one-stop communities grant, presented draft maps proposing two overlay districts near the MBTA commuter rail station and a Main Street business intersection, with a 40R district requiring 20 percent affordable housing and allowing densities up to 20 units per acre for condominiums. At least one board member pledged to "adamantly oppose" the proposal at town meeting, citing conflicts with the town's master plan and open space plan, and questioned whether Main Street's already-gridlocked traffic could absorb the additional density. The board voted 5-0 to continue the hearing to June 9 and asked the consultants to return with projected unit counts and maximum building heights. The board also voted unanimously to approve the updated Hanson Housing Production Plan, which now heads to the state for review, and cited the town's current affordability inventory below threshold as context for both actions.