Why I'm voting yes on 23

The purpose of zoning in East Longmeadow is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of our town. In our zoning bylaw, we require that business developments "complement and be in harmony with the existing and probable future character of the community." But what does that mean?

We currently have no way to measure if a development, like a huge shopping center, is "in harmony" with the character of the community. I filed Article 23, which puts a size cap on the so-called "big box" stores, because I saw the character of our community being in jeopardy. We need to be proactive to protect our community, rather than constantly reacting to huge developments. Otherwise, we will wake up one day and wonder how North Main Street in East Longmeadow got to look like West Springfield's Riverdale Road.

In the absence of any limits, a developer will try to build a store as big as he can get away with. We've all driven by some of these huge stores, and maybe even been stuck in the traffic gridlock they create. We've read about the increased crime and public safety costs that such projects generate. After all, large malls attract more than just shoppers. They are convenient for criminals as well. Some studies actually show that these big projects can cost a town more than they generate in revenues.

We had the choice in East Longmeadow of doing nothing. We could wait for the first, second and third big box proposals to come to our Planning Board. These big stores tend to follow each other around, and East Longmeadow was surely going to facing a number of such projects. Our town has become a very desirable destination for many national high-end retailers. The enormous commercial developments can change the quality of life of a small community or neighborhood very quickly.

It was for this reason that I chose to act, rather than react.

East Longmeadow has traditionally fostered small and locally owned businesses which reflect the surrounding neighborhood's residential character and lifestyle, building scale, architectural style, and historical development. We want to promote the efficient use of land, promote a safe and comfortable pedestrian-scale environment, avoid congestion of traffic, and encourage excellence in urban design. Yet our current zoning controls are inadequate to control the size and scale of business uses, or to protect against adverse changes to the unique characteristics of our small town.

I have heard from many residents about the need to protect the attractiveness of our residential areas, and to prevent concrete and asphalt sprawl from ruining our neighborhoods, and our open spaces. This issue is not exclusive to East Longmeadow. Since filing this article, I have heard from many residences of Springfield who are concerned about several massive retail developments underway and in the planning stages. They too are concerned with the negative impact that these projects have on their thriving neighborhoods. They are frustrated with their concerns falling on deaf ears and are looking for leaders that they can turn to for help. Article 23, which limits retail only store size to a very generous 65,000 square feet (about one and a third football fields) is only one response to the need for compatible land uses. In looking around for a way to keep growth manageable, I imitated the zoning "caps" that many towns in New England and around the country have adopted. Article 23 is not a new concept, but it's one that works. It allows us to tell developers what we want, instead of being told what we need. We can have a flourishing commercial sector, and have a livable community as well. It just takes some planning and forethought.

Article 23 is an example of good land use planning. I know some developers may have "big plans" for East Longmeadow, but we have the right, and the obligation, to protect the welfare of homeowners and taxpayers by ensuring that all growth fits the character and lifestyle of our small town. Growth can be a win-win situation if done properly, and with care for the community at large.

I encourage every resident to join me at the High School on Monday, May 1st at 7 pm, and vote Yes on 23, to cap the size of big box stores.



Selectman Jim Driscoll

East Longmeadow