Commercial And Village Design Event

What Is Your Vision Of Charlestown’s Business Areas?

This is an interactive event with refreshments served

The Commercial and Village Design Standards Advisory Committee seeks input from residents and business owners for a set of design guidelines and standards for new commercial development in Charlestown. The goal is to achieve a more coherent and aesthetically pleasing view of development occurring in the commercial and village districts.

What will design guidelines and standards accomplish?
It will protect the town from unattractive or “anywhere USA” design but would encourage flexibility and variety so the results are not cookie-cutter. Having no standards or poorly defined standards leads to haphazard, incompatible growth.

Commercial And Village Design Event: What Is Your Vision Of Charlestown’s Business Areas?

What is your vision of Charlestown’s business areas?
The last town-wide survey indicated that residents did not support the look or design of corporate or “big-box” commercial. It is important to also know what the community does want Charlestown to look like in the future.

The Planning Commission needs specific design information to:

• Get better designed buildings that reinforce the town’s character.
• Have an applicant come in with a clear idea of the regulations and standard
• Give the town a cohesive appearance while ensuring some variety and interest.
• Have a selection of materials that will satisfy both the financial and aesthetic needs of the applicant and the community, and that consider climate resiliency, energy, durability, and good looks.

Design consultants Libra Planners will be there with graphics and other materials.

Please attend the event, have a snack, chat with the consultants, and share your ideas and preferences for the look and feel of new commercial development in Charlestown.

Visit the town’s website for more information or read the comprehensive guide about the project.