Burlington Hosting Community Design Workshop About Mall Road Corridor

BURLINGTON, MA — The Burlington public is invited to attend a multi-day workshop next month where discussions will center around plans for the rezoning and development of the Burlington Mall Road corridor.

Described as an "interactive community design process," or charrette, the workshop will take place May 23-25 at the Piedmont Realty office building, located at 25 Burlington Road. The time of the meetings are: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 23, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 24, and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 25.

The workshops are part of the process of creating a long-term economic development and land use plan for the area's largest commercial district: the Burlington Mall Road Corridor. Burlington's Planning and Economic Development Departments are working on the project with consultants Brovitz Community Planning & Design and Dodson & Flinker Land Architecture and Planning.

"Burlington is proud of its commercial hub, which has long served as an economic engine for the region, providing jobs and opportunities to many people in the greater Boston area," said Elizabeth Bonventre, Burlington's planning director. "We are also a proactive community and recognize that for us to remain relevant we need to set the stage for the next generation of growth."

The Town began studying the Mall Road Corridor in 2020, and later worked with MassDevelopment on a concept plan for the project. That plan was completed in August 2022.

The plan identified nearly 100 acres of development opportunity within the commercial districts that were deemed to be underutilized.

To unlock the area's potential and guide development, the Town began working with Brovitz and Dodson & Flinker to engage community stakeholders and craft new zoning for Town Meeting to consider.

"Burlington identified nearly 100 acres of development potential, mostly underutilized parking lots, ripe for smart growth and infill development. However, we need good zoning in place for this to happen," said Melisa Tintocalis, Burlington's economic development director.

Tintocalis continued: "Our challenge is to find the sweet spot that balances community goals and financially viable development. I am confident that through this process, Burlington will dial in continued success."

Residents who want more information about the project or are interested in getting involved in the effort can contact Burlington's Economic Development Office at ed@burlington.org or 781-505-1186.