Massachusetts MBTA Communities
Basic information about the requirements for multi-family zoning in MBTA Communities
The state’s compliance model & components
Arlington MBTA Communities Working Group & Action Plan
Working Group on arlingtonma.gov – View proposed MBTA Communities maps, recordings of public meetings, and the Working Group’s upcoming meetings
Arlington’s MBTA Communities Action Plan – ref Section 3.2 “Non-Housing Characteristics” – “preserving and expanding the Town’s street tree canopy.”
Contact the Working Group: mbtacommunities@town.arlington.ma.us
Massachusetts Tree Regulations
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 87: Shade Trees
Arlington Tree Regulations and Management
Tree protection bylaw – Title V, Article 16 – “preservation of the tree canopy and planting of replacement trees is essential to preserving the character and aesthetic appearance of the Town and maintaining the quality of life and the environment in the Town.”
Tree Division of the Department of Public Works – view Arlington’s street tree inventory, Arlington’s public street tree management plan, and contact information
Tree Committee – established in 2010 by the Arlington Select Board. The mission of the Committee is to support the Tree Warden and promote the protection, planting, and care of trees in Arlington
Other Arlington Reference Materials
Arlington’s Master Plan – Article 4, The Environment: Recognizing the fragility of our natural resources, we must ensure that Arlington’s residential areas, commercial centers, and infrastructure are developed in harmony with environmental concerns.
Arlington Housing Plan – 5 -Year Plan: “Make equitable access to shared green spaces and a healthy living environment a priority for siting affordable homes.”
Arlington Net Zero Action Plan – “Community and stakeholder input was consistent: by an overwhelming majority, respondents view climate change as a serious crisis (July 2020 survey, 87 percent of respondents rated climate change as “Extremely Important” to them personally).” “….. Support was strong for building efficiency and electrification measures, for making walking, biking, and public transit more attractive, for planting more trees, and for greening Arlington’s electricity supply” Net Zero Buildings High Priority Measures: NB13: Promote the planting of trees on private property.
Exploring Urban Ecology, Closing the Gap & Enhancing Urban Biodiversity in the Town of Arlington, Tufts Urban Environmental Policy and Planning, June 2023: “Trees have been widely recognized as the main provider of ecosystem services in urban areas.
Arlington’s 2022-2029 Open Space and Recreation Plan
Arlington’s Residential Design Guidelines
2019 Mill Brook Corridor Report
Other References
SITES information SITES is a rating system that guides, evaluates and certifies a project’s sustainability in the planning, design, construction and management of landscapes and other outdoor spaces.
