Contact me |
I’m Peter Nottonson, a candidate for the Natick Planning Board. Although, as an architect, I have an extensive planning background, my desire to join the Board is driven by my dedication and enthusiasm for seeing that Natick continues to develop in a way that will not only enhance the lives of our residents and merchants, but will keep Natick a vital and important community in the Metro West area. On a personal note I bought my first home in Natick in 1962 and all my children were born here. One of my earlier activities was to be the first “Den Father” with the cub scouts. Another activity was to design and assist in the construction of a playground for the Ben-Hem school. My children were in Natick schools until 1977, at which time I relocated for professional reasons. My wife and I have moved back and plan to retire here. Our youngest son lives here, and his four children are in Natick schools. Before returning to Natick, we spent many years in Boston where I was a member of the Licensing and Building Use Committee of a large neighborhood association. The committee focused on which projects and licenses would be best for our neighborhood and how our choices would affect surrounding neighbors. Consideration was also given to the mix and location of residential and commercial properties. The meetings with applicants included studying all aspects of planning from general functions to how trash would be removed. I would be addressing similar issues as a Planning Board member. From a professional perspective I am a licensed architect and have had my own firm since 1981. We specialize in short- and long-range hospital planning projects. Although still active, I have scaled back, leaving me the time to dedicate to the Planning Board. Many of my hospital projects have involved planning beyond the boundaries of the project site. I have worked closely with abutters, residents and merchants, community groups, fire and police, and zoning and building departments. I also have had to familiarize myself with many zoning, building, and other regulations, which are different for each of the jurisdictions I've worked in. All of these skills will allow me to quickly become a fully engaged member of the Board. My objectives as a Planning Board member are straightforward. I would like to complement the existing board with architectural expertise that currently does not exist. In my role on the Planning Board I would be addressing the specifics of the projects being presented. I will provide my expertise to insure that each proposal is thoroughly evaluated as to its appropriateness and local, state and federal regulation compliance. Some of the issues that I personally support are a new high school, a community/senior center and open space including walking and bike trails. I have been doing a lot of reading and asking a lot of questions that have provided me with the most up-to-date information on the development of these projects. One of my prime objectives will be to further develop the downtown in order for it to become a stronger supporter of the town economy as well as an inviting and safe place for people to spend both their days and evenings. Yes, it will take money. But the money alone won’t do all of it if we don’t have a vision and a plan as to how to spend it. We don’t have to begin by throwing tax dollars at the plan. The monies can come in part from private businesses that can profit in conjunction with our success. The plan can be designed and phased for implementation in a logical and affordable sequence. A thoughtfully conceived design plan that enhances the towns appearance can be a beginning. We have a clean downtown but have we maximized the aesthetics? This can mean more green space, cohesive signage, functional, attractive lighting and better traffic flow. Sidewalk seating and even trees can by furnished through private donations in honor or memory of a special person. In addition, scheduled, specific, evening shop openings that include a wide variety of “browsable” retail shops. A crucial issue will be parking. Private development of parking can have maximum incentive for the developer and maximum benefit for the town. We should provide creative incentives for the development of the above street level spaces in beautiful, but presently underutilized, buildings. This may be considered for condos or apartments. Also, we should evaluate and permit zoning changes for new and appropriate functions to be built in prime downtown areas. Another important facet of the downtown development will be to attract a variety of new restaurants for day and evening use. One essential incentive will be the distribution of liquor or beer and wine licenses. Population is an existing criterion for the distribution. We can mandate additional criteria that will help maintain and control these spots. For example: time of operation, trash control, food with liquor. Some existing parameters will need to be reevaluated and possibly revised. The vote for the Planning Board seat will be on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. If elected, I will support comprehensive planning including issues being addressed by other town boards such as school, finance and zoning. I will also support comprehensive planning for Natick as it relates to our neighbors in surrounding Metro West communities. I will use my experience in planning as well as my love for Natick, to promote smart and responsible growth for our town. I would be very happy to chat with anyone having any questions for me. For more information please visit my web site at <peternottonson.com>. For now I’m asking for your vote to the Planning Board seat.
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