Hamilton Development Corporation Publishes Downtown Design Guidelines

The Hamilton Development Corporation has published a document containing its design guidelines for the town’s downtown area.

The guidelines are intended to “improve the design quality in Hamilton’s business district, helping to attract customers to the area and encourage economic revitalization.” They do not address rules such as setbacks and heights, which are governed by local bylaws, but instead outline “the elements of what the town of Hamilton considers to be beautiful and functional design for the commercial area; and it illustrates these elements with images from the town and surrounding areas.”

In particular, the document addresses architectural features and attitudes that should:

Preserve and enhance the New England character of Hamilton’s commercial centers and thoroughfares. Promote attractive development of commercial areas. Streamline the approval process for commercial development. Relate commercial properties both visually and physically to surrounding land uses. Facilitate a more walkable and healthier suburban atmosphere that integrates the needs of pedestrians with those of drivers. Protect property values by enhancing the town’s appearance.

You can examine the full document online.