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served as a model for a gray field re-development and promoted a design principle called "new <br /> urbanism." Consideration of the spaces outside of the buildings was part of the visioning process <br /> along with considering how to improve the experience for people visiting Mashpee Commons. <br /> There have been many plans considered over the years how best to build housing to connect with <br /> Mashpee Commons. Recent housing constructed in the area of Market Street was built under a <br /> 40B permit, in order to allow housing in the commercial C-1 zone. Many issues emerged with <br /> the 40B process, slowing down the process because it was very difficult to make it work. Mr. <br /> Preston stated that C-1 zoning promoted big box stores and did not allow residential housing by <br /> right and Mashpee Commons was considering ways in which they could provide housing and <br /> other amenities to the Town. Regionally, Mashpee Commons sat at the center of town, as well <br /> as served as a hub of regional traffic. The goal of the meetings was to create a vision for the <br /> undeveloped areas of Mashpee Commons' controlled land. <br /> Mr. Preston described their four phases of planning to include, coordinate conversation, engage <br /> and dig deep into big topics, create the criteria and design plan and implement, determining what <br /> was needed to move forward. <br /> Regarding a timeline, it was anticipated that, in Phase II, Mashpee Commons would sum up with <br /> a vision plan to tie together the conversations, providing a draft in January. Next, the big topics <br /> would be identified and resources located from other areas in order to host a forum in February <br /> or March. In Phase III, the vision plan would be updated and introduced at a design festival, to <br /> look more closely at the plan. <br /> Mashpee Commons posed the question, how to build a wonderful neighborhood. Up to this <br /> point, Mashpee Commons has integrated residential housing with offices and retail. More <br /> conversation was needed to generate ideas about how to improve the neighborhood, looking back <br /> to historic Cape Cod building. Mr. Preston stated that the Cape Cod Commission had <br /> approached Mashpee Commons regarding their water treatment plant, growing in a compact <br /> form in order to protect wildlife, streams, rivers and bays. Building compact walkable <br /> neighborhoods could address environmental concerns. <br /> The second question was, how to provide housing on the Cape. Mr. Preston noted that Mashpee <br /> Commons had begun by providing rental units above shops and offices, which have leased very <br /> quickly. There was interest in learning what else was needed such as duplex, cottage or shop <br /> house style housing, which could vary according to demographics. Mashpee Commons also <br /> wished to improve the local economy by providing housing around jobs, offering a walkable <br /> solution. Businesses wished to locate jobs near where people were living. New buildings could <br /> be flexible, offering a variety of usages. Mr. Preston indicated that retail was changing and it <br /> was necessary to look back at traditional Cape Cod neighborhoods and main streets to identify <br /> other uses, allowing Mashpee Commons to continue to thrive. Additionally, Mashpee Commons <br /> wished to continue to support civic life. <br /> Mr. Preston invited the public to draw and write their vision for Mashpee Commons on the maps <br /> provided. Previous meetings have yielded some big ideas such as housing, large outdoor vibrant <br /> 2 <br />