My Taft Corners
Evolving Zoning to Address Growth and Change in Williston's Center
What About the Streets?
VT 2A Existing Conditions
The current environment of Taft Corners is predominantly against pedestrians and bicyclists - indeed, once you step out of your automobile, the environment is hostile... The Vision Plan and Form Based Code call for a radical change from the current anti-pedestrian environment to a pro-pedestrian environment.
From Taft Corners Vision Plan
From Taft Corners Form Based Code, Section 5 - Public Realm Standards
Buildings and Sites
The Form Based Code Building Form Standards ensures that buildings are brought up to the street and less attractive elements, like parking, are hidden to the back of buildings away from the street. Compare the two images below: Maple Tree Place as it exists today (left) and as envisoned in the future (right). Infill mixed-use buildings face Rte 2A, walkable streets in Maple Tree Place, parking behind the buildings and in a new hidden parking structure. Vermont Route 2A (if under the Town's control as a Class Town Highway) can become a beautiful tree lined Boulevard.
Maple Tree Place today (left) turns its back to the street. Future Maple Tree Place (right) turns Rte 2A into a grand boulevard.
Transitional Neighborhood frontage examples
Architectural standards ensure that buildings look nice.
Examples of Architectural Standards for Building Walls
Next Steps
May 17, 2022
Selectboard/Planning Commission joint meeting to discuss Form Based Code elements of Building Form Standards, Architectural Standards, Parking, Functions, and Administration.
Beyond May 2022
Additional informational session if needed or public hearing on Form Based Code.
At a Future Public Hearing
Selectboard chooses to: adopt Form Based Code as drafted OR make changes to the Code that then get sent back to the Planning Commission for review OR request the Planning Commission continue to work on revising the Code.
Form-Based Code and Official Map are major evolutionary steps in Williston’s planning and zoning for Taft Corners. It's also part of a perpetual work-in-progress. Post adoption, the Form-Based Code and Official Map are living documents that can be modified like any other bylaw provision.
Four Final Thoughts- This and That
- This can plan that- Development pressure and change are inevitable in Williston and in Taft Corners. The Vision plan created by the town as part of this process articulates the people of Williston's desire to shape that energy into something positive for the town. The Form Based Code and Official Map as transmitted to the Selectboard is a true master plan and reflects the strongest possible set of tools that the Planning Commission, Staff and consultant team can offer to establish, enforce, and fulfill the town's vision.
- This can save that- Growing in Taft Corners helps the town preserve open space and natural areas everywhere else in Williston - the sprawl alternative can't.
- This can pay for that - the vitality and high property tax base that will be created in Taft Corners through Form Based Code will make the entire Town more economically resilient.
- This can achieve that- so many Town Plan goals are enhanced and achieved by planning for growth and change in Taft Corners. Williston can have a diverse, abundant, affordable housing stock, sustainable transportation options, a walkable, vibrant downtown, and more employment and recreation opportunities when Taft Corners is planned and zoned to achieve the town's vision in the face of coming growth and change.
