Article 43 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Section 5 Accessory Uses and Table II Accessory Use Regulations

ARTICLE 43. To determine whether the Town will amend the Zoning Bylaw, Section 5 and Table II to add a new subsection 5.3.19 Accessory Retail Store to be permitted in all Industrial Districts as follows; or take any other action relative thereto:

5.3.19 Accessory Retail Store: Sale and display of related goods and merchandise on the premises as an accessory use to the principal industrial operation.

Article Explanation

Concord has five main areas zoned for industrial use: along Virginia Road near Hanscom Air Force Base, bordering Bedford; along Main Street and Forest Ridge Road at the Town line with Acton and Maynard; the area off Baker Avenue and Baker Ave. Extension; and in West Concord off Beharrell Street, Winthrop Street and Bradford Street.

Although “industrial” may suggest images of heavy machinery, noise, and pollution, Concord’s industrial zones are quite the opposite—a mix of scientists and tradespeople, artists and artisans, small-scale manufacturers, warehouses, and offices.

These areas include notable historic properties like Damon Mill and Bradford Mill, as well as a series of unique spaces along the Assabet River, home to Nashoba Brook Bakery, the mixed-use complex of Brookside Square, West Concord Dance Academy, and the U.S. Post Office. In Concord’s industrial zones you’ll find the production studios of This Old House, offices of the Guild for Human Services, and sports venues like the Thoreau Club and Valley Sports Arena.

The proposed bylaw amendment would allow retail as a secondary, complementary use in industrial districts. Currently, retail is only permitted for items manufactured on site. The amendment would expand this to include related products, such as a soap maker selling both soap and soap dishes or a guitar maker offering recordings of performers playing their instruments. 

Article Motion

Mr. Lawson moves that the Town take affirmative action on Article 43 as printed in the Warrant.