The Arlington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee was formed by the Arlington Redevelopment Authority in 2019 to oversee the implementation of the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan (AHNAP). This Plan includes recommendations related to zoning, parking, wayfinding, streetscape improvements, placemaking at the MBTA-owned Arlington Heights Busway, and other local regulations.  

Key recommendations of the AHNAP are as follow:

  1. Create one entirely new business district to replace the existing four business districts;
  2. Re-zone part of the existing Industrial District, the four acre “Gold’s Gym” site, as a Planned Unit Development (PUD);
  3. Review the existing Design Standards to ensure they reflect neighborhood specifics;
  4. Work with the MBTA to better utilize the bus turn-around lot; and
  5. Explore ways in which creative placemaking projects, both temporary and medium/long-term, can bring vitality to the Heights and foster a more active and vibrant street life.

Plan Implementation  

1. Heights Business District: resolving zoning challenges for business uses in Arlington Heights (ongoing)

One of the key recommendations in the plan is to create one entirely new business district to replace the existing four business districts. The current zoning in Arlington Heights was found to be complicated, restricting the growth of the existing vibrant small business community and acting as a barrier for businesses desired to address community needs. 

Below, you can find information on the public process to date and next steps, with the goal to bring this recommendation to Town Meeting in 2027 on the Heights Business District page. 

2. Design Guidelines 

Residential Design Guidelines were published in December 2020 to reflect and strengthen the unique character of each of Arlington’s neighborhoods. The Town is working to update the Commercial Design Guidelines. 

3. Continued Town-MBTA collaboration: placemaking and exploring potential 

The Town continues to work with the MBTA to paint the Arlington Heights Busway building, renovate the structure, make accessibility improvements, use the parking area for community events, and advertise the commercial space for prospective tenants.  

4. Creative Placemaking Projects: when Arlington’s artists and community heroes step up 

Since 2019, Arlington Heights has burst with colorful displays all due to the work of the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture’s installation of the You are Loved Mural and Heights Neighborhood Association’s seasonal window displays.

Committee Contact: Katie Luczai, Economic Development Coordinator, kluczai@town.arlington.ma.us