Article 53 Claire Odom Materials

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Claire Odom

Precinct 7

Re: Article 53 Substitute Motion

I wholeheartedly support the substitute motion to Article 53, proposed by Joanne Cullinane and

Larry Slotnick.

The substitute motion clarifies language of the MBTA Act overlay bonus rule for commercial

use. It preserves the intended definition of 60% of the ground floor bonus rule passed at Special

Town Meeting in 2023. Ground floor means everything on the ground floor with no exceptions.

Footprint is the correct way to clarify this.

Businesses need viable space to be profitable. Article 53 adds language from the definition of

the zoning term, Footprint, to clarify what ground floor at street level means when the bylaw was

passed. Commercial space calculations must come first, not last, when determining bonuses.

Appropriate dimensions for commercial use are critical for creating and sustaining profitable

businesses in Arlington.

Please carefully consider this important substitute motion.