Northampton Supervisors discuss relaxing density regs in town edge

A rendering from Cherry’s presentation of a potential “cluster development,” which would allow for multiple uses with higher density in a small area.

By Ava Canade

The Northampton County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation by Anna Cherry of The Berkley Group regarding Comprehensive Plan 2040 that is focused on increasing housing density in Northampton County at Tuesday night’s meeting. The presentation and memo recommended regulatory changes and revising zoning regulations to encourage residential density along Route 13 and towns in the county.

The plan suggested that for areas designated as Town Edge- Residential, which permits duplexes, townhouses, and small-scale multi-family units with central sewer availability, the maximum density could be increased to 5 housing units per acre with the density decreasing to 1 housing unit per two acres as they get farther from their town center, but Cherry recommended only going as high as 4 units per acre with special board approval.

It emphasized that preservation, renovation, reuse, and adaptive use of existing structures would be encouraged under the plan. It also added that development should complement the scale, size, proportion, and character of the adjacent town.

Other proposed regulatory changes included the designation of a Village District which would allow for moderate density increases while preserving the character of village communities. Cherry noted that the presentation was a suggestion of ways to increase residential density.

The Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and other staff will have to review and discuss the zoning changes offered in the Comprehensive Plan.