The Avalon development of 296 apartments is worth a look since it could be a picture of things to come for Acton’s future. Avalon is in the Nagog Woods Park (near Scupper’s Restaurant), and past the office buildings (just follow the signs). Avalon is dramatically different than Acton’s traditional residential neighborhoods. Could this be Acton’s future?

The Avalon apartments are a 40B development which means that it has a number of low income units set aside for those less able to afford to live in Acton. Under 40B laws the developer avoids almost all Acton zoning bylaws and is subject only to state laws and regulations. Acton has almost nothing to say about the development except that the Acton Building Department does get to review the plans to ensure that safety codes are followed.

There are more similar large developments planned for Acton; some 40B and some not. Avalon has approval for another 64 townhouses nearby to the apartment development and limited to 55 and older residents. Quail Ridge is applying to Acton for a plan for 177 units for 55 and older residents, although that might still be considered preliminary at this time. Ten duplexes are planned near the beginning of High Street within walking distance of the train station. One eight unit development was just completed at Davis Place on the corner of Route 111 Prospect Street. Nearby to it is another 12 townhouses at Blanchard Place. In the latter two developments, single family homes were demolished and replaced with relatively high density condos. Is Acton in control of this development process with a long term plan, or is it a development process Actonians simply must watch?

Will the Route 2 corridor become a major development of 40B enabled apartments and condos? This is an interesting discussion item since just about ten years ago Acton voted down an office park development to be built on the existing used car parking lot behind the Concordian Motel on Route 2. But if a developer came in and built 40B housing on that lot, what could Acton do? Actonians might consider asking if 40B housing is better for Acton than, say an office park or a retail development like the Staples/Trader Joe’s complex.

What will be the impact of this new development on Acton over the next five years or so? From a tax standpoint these developments could help Acton to grow its tax base. Each year Acton has been adding about $600,000 of new growth to the tax base as new residential real estate is added. The new apartments and condos will add a substantial amount to this beyond the $600k. What is Acton’s plan for the impact on Town services, budget, and taxes?

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