Master Plan for Abington, MA: Land Use, Natural & Cultural Resources, and Watershed Protection

Abington, MA Master Plan 2019

Abington, Massachusetts is a small town situated twenty miles south of Boston and adjacent to the city of Brockton. It is home to several scenic parks, historic buildings, and a close-knit community. Along with many towns in the region, Abington’s population has been growing over the past several decades and that growth is projected to continue. This trend presents opportunities and challenges as the town looks to the future. How does Abington maintain its character while accommodating new residents? How does it protect its natural resources and develop in a way that promotes town connectedness and cohesiveness? Creating a master plan is an opportunity for the community to answer these questions and form a clear vision for its future. To that end, this document contributes three chapters to Abington’s 2019 Master Plan: Land Use, Natural and Cultural Resources, and Watershed Protection.

Amanda Hawes and Eric Giordano

The Conway School is the only institution of its kind in North America. Its focus is sustainable landscape planning and design and its graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Ecological Design degree. Each year, through its accredited, ten-month graduate program, students from diverse backgrounds are immersed in a range of real-world design projects, ranging from sites to cities to regions. Graduates go on to play significant professional roles in various aspects of landscape planning and design.

ABINGTON, MA

Master Plan 2019 Land Use Natural & Cultural Resources Watershed Protection

Amanda Hawes Eric Giordano The Conway School Winter 2019

Abington Master Plan

2019

Acknowledgments These master plan sections were prepared with the help of several groups and individuals. Special thanks is owed to the Abington Town Planning Board for their guidance and contribution, as well as members of the Abington community who participated in the community meetings and/or gave valuable feedback online. In addition, the contributions of the following groups and individuals was of great value: The Town DPW, Parks and Rec Department, Assessors Office, Fire Department, School Board, the Town library, the Dyer Memorial Library, the Abington Historical Commission, the Town Manager Rick LaFond, the Abington Rockland Joint Water Works, Dodson and Flinker Landscape Architects, Abington CAM and more.

Thank you!

These master plan sections were prepared by Conway School graduate students Eric Giordano and Amanda Hawes The Conway School of Landscape Design and Planning

All photos on front cover sourced from Wikimedia Commons except for lower right photo (credit: Beth Godfrey)

CONTENTS 1 Goals and Vision ..........................................................................................................................

1

2 Land Use ...................................................................................................................................... 13 3 Natural and Cultural Resources .................................................................................................... 39 4 Watershed Protection .................................................................................................................. 67 5 Implementation ............................................................................................................................ 87

References ....................................................................................................................................... 99

MAPS Existing Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 17 Land Use History ............................................................................................................................. 23 Current Land Use ............................................................................................................................ 25 Zoning ............................................................................................................................................. 29 Soils and Geology ........................................................................................................................... 41 BioMap2 and Town Protected Land ................................................................................................ 49 CAPS Index of Ecological Integrity ................................................................................................. 51 Open Space .................................................................................................................................... 55 Walking and Biking Connectivity ..................................................................................................... 63 Surface Water .................................................................................................................................. 73 Wetlands ......................................................................................................................................... 77 Drinking Water Sources ................................................................................................................... 79 Impervious Surface .......................................................................................................................... 81

Goals & Vision

1 Goals & Vision

1

1

Goals & Vision Abington is a relatively small town with an area of 9.9 square miles and a growing population that was last estimated in 2017 to be 16,275 persons (U.S. Census Bureau). It is a suburb of the cities of Boston, located 20 miles to the north, and Brockton, its neighbor to the west.

Four major state roads, Routes 18, 123, 139, and 58, run through the town with major intersections located on the more densely developed eastern side of town. Abington was primarily an agricultural community until the mid-1800s when, thanks in part to a technological innovation by a resident, the town became a hub of the shoe industry, supplying a large portion of the Union Army’s footwear during the Civil War. With the Great Depression of the early 1930s, however, the shoe industry declined and never recovered. Following World War II, at a time of nationwide economic expansion, Abington saw a steady rise in population and residential development. The town evolved into a mostly residential community with many of its residents commuting outside of Abington for work, becoming what is called a “bedroom community” (Dyer Library).

Section cover photo (on previous page) taken by Doug Ulwick

2

Abington Master Plan 2019

1 0

Population 75 - 15,000

Boston

15,000 - 20,000 20,000 - 80,000 80,000 - 300,000 300,000 - 620,000

Abington Brockton

10

20

40 Miles

Abington is a small town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and is a suburb of the cities of Boston and Brockton. Its proximity to these urban areas has had a major impact on its development over the past several decades.

Goals & Vision

3

Through the process of creating a Master Plan, Abington residents can come together and decide what they love about their town, determine what should be improved, and form a clear and cohesive vision for their future. This plan reviews Abington’s rich history, considers its present opportunities and challenges, takes into account regional and cultural trends, and makes recommendations for how the town can best achieve its goals over the next ten to twenty years.

THE MASTER PLAN...

4

Provides continuity. As Abington’s elected representatives, municipal staff, and volunteers change, institutional knowledge and direction can be lost. The Master Plan provides a clear set of objectives that work towards a long-term vision enabling future staff and volunteers to continue the work of others.

Publicizes the community’s intent. This document informs residents, public agencies, non-profit organizations, developers, and businesses in Abington of the community’s position on development and land use and provides a framework for decision making for all parties.

Balances competing interests. Within any town, there is pressure to perform certain duties and functions that are occasionally at odds with one another and there are limited resources to address all municipal needs. A Master Plan can help establish priorities and resolve conflicts by forming a unified vision.

and...

Abington Master Plan 2019

Protects valued resources. The plan is an opportunity for the community to define its most treasured cultural and environmental assets and lays out a plan for growth and development that will keep them intact.

Master Plan Legislation Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, Section 81D outlines what is required in a Master Plan. The Master Plan is a document that consists of text, maps, and illustrations that serves as the basis for municipal decisionmaking regarding the long-term physical development of a community. The document must be internally consistent between its policies, forecasts, and standards and consists of at least the following nine elements: GOALS AND VISION STATEMENT which identifies the goals and vision of the municipality for its future growth and development. Each community shall conduct an interactive public process, to determine community values and goals and to identify patterns of development that will be consistent with these goals.

LAND USE PLAN element which identifies present land use and designates the proposed distribution, location, and inter-relationship of public and private land uses. This element shall relate the proposed standards of population density and building intensity to the capacity of land available or planned facilities and services.

A land use plan map illustrating the land use policies of the municipality shall be included.

HOUSING element which identifies and analyzes existing and forecasted housing needs and objectives including programs for the preservation, improvement and development of housing. This element shall identify policies and strategies to provide a balance of local housing opportunities for all citizens.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT element which identifies policies and strategies for the expansion or stabilization of the local economic base and the promotion of employment opportunities.

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES element which provides an inventory of the significant natural, cultural, and historic resource areas of the municipality, and policies and strategies for the protection and management of such areas.

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION element which provides an inventory of recreational resources and open space areas of the municipality, and policies and strategies for the management and protection of such resources and areas.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES element which identifies and analyzes existing and forecasted needs for facilities and services used by the public.

CIRCULATION element which provides an inventory of existing and proposed circulation and transportation systems.

IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM element which defines and schedules the specific municipal actions necessary to achieve the objectives of each element of the master or study plan.

Scheduled expansion or replacement of public facilities or circulation system components and the anticipated costs and revenues associated with the accomplishment of such activities shall be detailed in this element. This element shall specify the process by which the municipality’s regulatory structures shall be amended so as to be consistent with the master plan.

Communities can supplement these required sections with elements of particular relevance to the town. This master plan includes a WATERSHED PROTECTION section, which might be required in future plans, and details strategies to ensure the health of the town’s water bodies and drinking water supply.

Goals & Vision

5

Community Engagement A master plan should reflect the goals of the people in a community and serve to galvanize the actions required to achieve those goals.

Since it is a public document that affects many aspects of Abington’s future, community participation throughout the formation of the plan is crucial. In February 2019, a team of graduate students from the Conway School facilitated two community meetings. The first drew twenty-five attendees and the second drew twelve. The attendees, representing a variety of different community groups and Town boards, discussed the major challenges and assets Abington has.

The first meeting was centered on getting the community’s input about what aspects of the town they love and which aspects need improvement. Through a series of activities and discussions, a list was created of Abington’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges (shown below).

Community Meeting 1 - February 4, 2019 SWOC Activity STRENGTHS

Small-town feel Ames Nowell Island Grove Supportive community Scenic views Commuter rail Close to Boston Close to hospitals Housing stock Active community Young families Schools State highways High school field Golf course Police complex Mt. Vernon Cemetery Available land New high school Griffin’s Dairy Town offices Library Senior center

6

WEAKNESSES

Dwindling Open Space Too much residential development Zoning on RT 123 Infrastructure Roads and drainage Affordable housing for seniors Not enough businesses Park maintenance Running out of land Downtowns Route 18 traffic Dangerous intersections No defined town center Water quality Not enough middle class housing Walkability of town Too much development Target draws outside traffic Large parking lots for downtown businesses Unsightly highway development

Abington Master Plan 2019

The first of two community meetings; February 4th, 2019.

OPPORTUNITIES

Zoning on Rte. 18 Good “bones” with two centers and four state highways Investment in parks and open space Establishing Historic District Expand walking areas Connect points of interest Create Greenway Make an outdoor gathering area/amphitheater Small open spaces in downtown areas Create Bike/Hiking trail to connect with Rail Trail Build a train station between North Ave. and Plymouth Walking Connector from new school to Hancock St. (land is already cleared) Old school buildings Make better access to Ames Nowell from Chestnut St.

CHALLENGES

Attracting business Reigning in residential development Preserving open space Need new fire station Need new elementary school Quieting traffic Encouraging investment in downtowns Water bans Funding parks and open space Reluctance to carry out Master Plan Overcoming “townie” vs. “newcomer” conflict Route 18 traffic congestion Updating water infrastructure Connecting green spaces Update the other schools Deal with old school properties (center/north) Maintaining “small-town feel” Making housing affordable

An online survey asked residents to define Abington’s “town character.� 65 people responded: Strongly Agree

Abington is...

Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree

...a close knit community.

...a rapidly growing community.

...a town with rich natural areas

...a diverse community with a rich history

...a primarily residential community

...a community with active and attractive downtowns

...a community with adequate and available town services

...an affordable community to live in

...a safe community

Goals & Vision

7

Community Meeting 2 - March 4, 2019 Visual Preference Survey In the first community meeting, residents suggested they would like their downtown centers to be more active, attractive, and walkable areas. In order to better understand what that means to them, the following visual preference survey was given to the twelve Most Favorite

Second Favorite

residents who attended the second meeting.

Prompted with a question and a set of photographs, each participant used a green dot to indicate their favorite image, a yellow dot to indicate their second favorite, and a red dot to indicate their least favorite.

Least Favorite

Most Popular

Which kinds of residential housing could you envision near Abington’s downtown centers?

Generally, most residents disliked the look of multistory attached dwellings.

The most popular image was a neighborhood of relatively small houses with well-manicured yards and sidewalks.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Which downtown area is closest to your ideal for Abington’s downtown centers?

The most popular image of a downtown area showed 3-story attached buildings with street facing shops lining the first floor and storefronts that come right up to the sidewalk.

Goals & Vision

9

The Community’s Vision The community meetings revealed several recurring themes regarding what Abington residents want their town to be in the future. Overall, they expressed concern that continued population growth would lead to new development that would threaten undeveloped areas. They are thankful for Abington’s several conservation and recreation areas that are protected from new development and consider these areas major strengths of the town that add significantly to its character and increase their quality of life. They support the town conserving more land that is currently unprotected. For these reasons, many residents view reigning in residential development as a major challenge for the town in the coming years. At the same time, they want to see more housing options that are affordable and

accommodate the wide range of ages and incomes of Abington residents. They would also like to see a revitalization of their downtown centers and more walkable and bikeable connections between neighborhoods and points of interest in town. This tension between their desire to grow in some ways and not grow in others represents a difficult challenge in planning for Abington’s future.

In order to achieve desired outcomes, it’s important to set clear goals. To that end, the following vision statement was formed as a consolidation of the desires expressed by Abington residents at the community meetings.

Vision Statement

Preserving What’s Great and Making Improvements Where Needed

Imagine in twenty years... Abington has a pleasant small-town feel with a supportive and connected community that appreciates and celebrates its rich history. Adding to the town’s character and quality of life are several healthy, connected, and accessible natural resource and recreation areas. Abington is a welcoming and attractive place for new business and economic development. Central to this are its two vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtowns with a diverse range of businesses and a variety of housing and employment opportunities. The town has exemplary school facilities to which students can walk or bike safely, and town services enhance the quality of life for residents.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

The following goals, created with guidance from the Abington planning board, translate the vision statement into actions that will lead to the realization of that vision:

Land Use

Community Goals Guide commercial and residential growth in a manner that minimizes impact on natural resources and recreation opportunities, contributes to the tax base, provides a variety of housing and employment opportunities, and makes efficient use of public services.

Encourage development and redevelopment in the two downtowns of Abington Center and North Abington Center, including attracting businesses that provide desired amenities, mixing uses in existing and new buildings, and concentrating new housing around the downtowns to foster a more vibrant and walkable community.

Overall

Watershed Protection

Natural & Cultural Resources

Lead by example for surrounding communities in terms of promoting stewardship of ecologically valuable areas and endeavor to protect that land in perpetuity.

Improve park spaces where necessary and expand recreational access to natural areas where access will not negatively impact habitat and other ecological resources.

Increase community connectedness by creating safe walkability and bikeability between open spaces, the downtowns, and the middle/ high school and town offices. Understand the transportation needs of all groups within the community and endeavor to make these destinations in town reachable by everyone.

Improve the health of Abington’s water bodies, with particular attention toward offsetting the impact of development.

Take Steps to ensure the continued availability of clean drinking water.

Educate the community on the importance of wetlands and watershed protection and take steps to ensure the continued availability of clean drinking water in Abington.

Emphasize community engagement and education regarding Abington’s major challenges and opportunities. Communicate with surrounding communities to more effectively address regional challenges.

Goals & Vision

11

Planning with Climate Change The by-products of industrial development, factory farming, and the lifestyles of industrialized nations like the United States and China have changed the composition and amount of various greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. As the climate continues to change, scientists are working to better understand and predict the extent and variety of impacts this will have on the environment and on human populations that depend upon it. Climatic changes could: • • • •

Cause drinking water shortages Threaten food production systems Increase flooding from storm events Increase the frequency and severity of storms • Result in hotter summers and more severe droughts • Lead to plant and animal extinctions as habitats change faster than species can adapt.

(BBC)

Emissions by Sector

(Massachusetts, 2016)

*source: Mass.gov

Massachusetts has seen increases in storm intensity, as well as periods of drought, and the scale and frequency of flooding in some areas has increased in recent years. If these trends continue as expected, the increased frequency of heavy rain abutted by periods of drought could result in increased stress on Abington’s stormwater infrastructure, higher possibility of flooding, drinking water shortages, more days over 90 degrees and more severe winter storms (BBC).

Planners and scientists play an important role in anticipating future threats from climate change and can help communities attempt to both mitigate (reduce climate change) and adapt (make communities more resilient to climate change). Abington residents play a crucial role in helping their town adapt to the effects of climate change and have the opportunity to join other communities across the globe in working to mitigate their impact.

Observed Change in Heavy Precipitation (1958 - 2007)

This map shows that heavy precipitation increased 71% between 1958 and 2007 in New England. *source: Karl et al. 2009 “Global Climate Chage Impacts in the United States”

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Land Use

2

2

Land Use

The way land is used, developed, and preserved is a major part of what gives a community its unique character. The patterns of land use in Abington tell the story of its past as an industrial town that has evolved into a primarily residential community. Looking to the future, the town’s main land use goals are to preserve its small-town character, open spaces, and natural resources while revitalizing its downtown centers, providing housing and employment opportunities for a range of incomes and ages, and fostering a supportive, integrated, and connected community. This chapter explores Abington’s past and present demographics and land use, and then makes recommendations for how it can move towards these goals.

Section cover (on previous page) credit: Google Earth.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Key Findings • Population in Abington has been rising steadily since the 1950s (US Census Bureau). Most development since that time has been in the form of medium- to low-density residential units (Abington Assessors Office).

• Abington still has many acres of undeveloped forested land. Much of it is protected from development, but there are several unprotected, undeveloped areas that have potentially high ecological and recreational value (MassGIS).

• Two downtown centers evolved in Abington’s early history.

Today, residents see them as places with unrealized potential to become active and attractive economic and social hubs for the community.

Although residential neighborhoods now cover a significant portion of Abington, the town has many acres of forested and unforested undeveloped areas, many of which are protected from development for their conservation or recreational value. The largest of the protected areas is the 600-acre Ames Nowell State Park in the northwest corner of the town, which is owned by the state and protected in perpetuity. Abington residents have expressed their concern that further population growth might result in the disappearance of unprotected forested or unforested open spaces, threatening a key aspect of the town character that the residents enjoy.

Abington’s two downtown centers, North Abington Center and Abington Center, developed in its early history as hubs of local commerce and social activity. Today, while

Current Land Use Commercial Forest or Wetland Single-Family Residential

Roads

Multi-Family Residential Other

*Values estimated based on information from the town assessor and satellite imagery.

they contain assets and potential such as nearby open spaces and historic buildings, people in Abington feel that they are lacking the number and kind of establishments they desire and could use more attractive landscaping and street design. Much of the recent commercial development has been in the form of big-box stores along the main thoroughfare, potentially attracting consumers away from the downtowns. Abington residents suggest they would like to see these town centers revitalized, attract more commercial development, and become enjoyable places to live, work, dine, shop, and play. In order to investigate the challenges to restoring vibrancy to these downtown centers while preserving the town’s valued open spaces, it is important to understand Abington’s demographics and the historical and current land use conditions, trends, and pressures in the town.

Land Use

15

The map to the right illustrates the predominant patterns of Abington’s layout: a large state park in the northwest corner of town, scattered protected open spaces, a major state road running north-south, and two historic downtown centers.

Route 18 provides the main thoroughfare through town and is lined with several large retail stores and houses.

North Abington Center is one of the town’s two downtown areas that residents would like to see revitalized to become more walkable vibrant village centers.

Ames Nowell State Park is the largest protected open space in town with 600 acres that include dense forest, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and the large Cleveland Pond.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Blueberry Hill Conservation Area

State Route

18

Ames Nowell State Park

M

Highway Commercial

s Office Town ry a r ib l L Schoo High iddle/

North Abington Center

Island Grove Pond

Diane Circle Conservation Area

re

M

ai

n

Th

or ou

gh

fa

Abington Center

0

.25

.5

1

Miles

Protected Open Spaces

(Recreation, Conservation, & Other)

Commuter Rail Line Commuter Rail Station State Road

Existing Conditions Abington, MA. 2019

Town Road Pond

Land Use

17

Abington by the numbers Population

Population by Age

16,275

✴

16,000

2,675 2,476

14,000

2,189

12,000

1,793

10,000

1,971

1,794

8,000 1,034

6,000 4,000

349

2,000 1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

Under 10 years

2017

Population in Abington has been rising steadily since 1950 and has continued to grow due in large part to the employment opportunities offered in nearby urban areas (Abington Planning Board).

Change in Racial and Ethnic Makeup

30 to 40 years

40 to 50 years

50 to 60 years

+ 0.7%

+ 0.2%

%

White

Black or Hispanic or African Latino (of American any race)

Asian

Two or more races

Other

White Black or Hispanic Asian African or Latino American (of any race)

Other

Two or more races

The 2017 American Community Survey carried out by the US Census found that Abington became more racially and ethnically diverse since the last census in 2010. The share of Abington’s population that identified as White on their survey decreased by 4.54%. Still, the town is less diverse than the state as a whole in most racial and ethnic categories.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

70 to 80 years

Over 80 years

Abington residents span a wide range of ages.

Planning and public policy can do its part to ensure that young people are safe and welleducated, middle-aged residents have needed employment opportunities, and the town’s elders enjoy a high quality of life.

+ 1.6%

+ 1.3% + 0.7%

20 to 30 years

Racial Makeup

(2010-2017)

- 4.5%

10 to 20 years

Household Occupancy 1-Person Household

Labor Force by Industry Education, Health Care, or Social Services

2-Person Household

Finance, Insurance, Administrative or Real Estate or Waste Management Services Retail Trade

4-or-more-Person Household

Arts, Recreation, Accommodation, or Food Services

3-Person Household

Construction

Manufacturing

Other

Transportation & Warehousing Wholesale Trade

2% Information

*data from Mass EOLWD

Abington is home to single individuals and families of various sizes. Residents have said they enjoy that Abington is a family-oriented community.

Abington residents hold a diverse range of occupations. Professionals who work in education, health care, or social services make up the largest block of the town’s work force (Mass EOLWD).

Household Income

Regional Income Comparison

$

Median Family Income

Abington is home to individuals and families with a wide range of incomes. Ensuring that all residents, regardless of income, have the opportunities and ability to have a high quality of life is an important part of this master plan.

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Incomes for Abington residents are comparable to regional averages. Median family and household incomes are well above state averages. all data from US Census Bureau unless otherwise stated

Land Use

19

Population The last census in 2010 found the population of Abington to be 15,985, a 9.45% increase from the year 2000 count of 14,605. The 2017 population estimate in the Census’ American Community Survey gives a count of 16,257, only a 1.7% increase from the 2010 figure. Still, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) projects that by the year 2040, Abington’s population will grow to 20,382, an approximately 25% increase over the next twenty years.

Accommodating 4,125 new residents would require the construction of new housing units and, if these are developed according to current zoning regulations they have the potential to consume much of the remaining undeveloped land in Abington, as well as put immense pressure on town services including recreation, education, water, sewer, police, and fire protection.

Population Projection

20,382

✴

2010

2020

2030

2040

AGE GROUPS

The population of individuals under 18 years old grew from 3,468 in 1990 to 4,076 (27.9% of total population) in 2000, and the population of individuals over 62 years old increased by 850 persons to 3,083 (21.1% of total population) in the same time frame. The last Master Plan in 2009 referred to these two age groups as the fastest growing populations.

These numbers seem to have represented peaks (at least temporarily) with both of these populations decreasing within the past decade.

The American Community Survey estimated the number of individuals under 18 years old at 3,690 in 2010 (23.5% of total population) and falling to 3,203 in 2017 (19.7% of total population). The number of people age 62 or older decreased to about 2,502 (15.9% of total population) by 2010, but then increased slightly to about 2,851 (17.5% of total population) by 2017. These inconsistent trends show that even though population as a whole is expected to rise in the next several decades, it is unclear which demographics will see increases or decreases and when.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Population of Younger and Older Age Groups Age 18 or younger

4,000

Age 62 or older

3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 1990

2000

2010

2017

INCOME

According to the American Community Survey of 2017, the Median Family Income (MFI) in Abington of $104,676 was just under the regional average of $106,270 but just above the state average of $94,110. Conversely, the town’s per-capita income of $39,503 was above the regional average of $38,244, but slightly below the state average of $39,913.

Each number is an increase in income level from 2010 numbers when the town’s MFI was $89,554 and the Per Capita Income was $32,208. With incomes that are keeping pace with regional averages and an increasing population, Abington residents constitute a growing middle-income consumer base.

Abington Plymouth County Massachusetts

$100,000 $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000

2010

2017

LABOR FORCE Method of Commute

Abington

49%

45% 40%

Plymouth County

45% 41%

Massachusetts

35% 30% 25% 20% 15%

13%

10%

6%

6%

5%

3%

Car/Van/Truck

0.3% 2%

Public Transportation

Walking

Average Commute Time:

33 Minutes

Abington has seen an 8.6% increase in its labor force from 8,416 in the year 2000 to 9,414 in the year 2018 (Mass EOLWD). This is slightly less than regional and state trends with several towns in Plymouth County increasing their labor force by almost 15% or more in the same time frame. The survey in 2017 found that 86% of Abington’s work force takes a car, truck, or van to work while only 44 Abington residents walked to work, only 0.3% of the workforce. This percentage of walkers is below the regional average of about 2% and well below the regional leader of Bridgewater, where over 6% of workers walk to work. Also confirming Abington’s status as a bedroom community are the data showing that about 60% of the labor force works outside of Plymouth County, and 70% of workers have a commute that takes longer than 20 minutes (the town average commute is 33 minutes) (US Census Bureau). This volume of people leaving town on most days of the week could cause daytime businesses to struggle. If more employment opportunities were available closer to residents’ homes, they would likely spend less time in cars, walk or bike more, and potentially support other businesses in town.

Land Use

21

Land Use History

The historical land use table below shows the changes the town has undergone as it has transitioned from a major industrial shoe-manufacturing center to a primarily suburban residential community. Between 1962 and 2008, 2,150 acres of residential development were added. Notably, a sharp rise in multi-family housing development occurred between 1997 and 2008. This was most likely spurred by the reactivation of the commuter rail station in 1997, making the town an attractive place to live for people who work in Boston. Commercial uses have risen modestly, with 228 acres developed between 1962 and 2008, mostly along Routes 18 and

123, and some in or around the downtown centers. In 2008, commercial development only accounted for 4.6% of total land use, whereas residential development accounted for 48.8%.

Industrial land use has fallen since 1975, usually becoming vacant or commercial property. The 157 acres of agricultural land in 1975 has been reduced to zero, converted mostly to residential development. Current estimates given by the town assessor’s office indicate that these trends have continued since 2008, with almost 100 new acres of single-family residential development, 50 new acres of commercial development, and a loss of about 25 acres of industrial land in the past decade.

Abington’s Land Use History

(Total land use in each category in acres) 1962

1975

1997

2008

1030

1667

2316

3180

Single Family

NA

1619

2218

2398

Multi-Family

NA

48

88

782

Commercial

77

214

290

305

Industrial

34

98

58

54

Agriculture

NA

157

3

0

3922

2571

1982

564

Residential

Vacant (Open Space)

This table, reprinted from the Abington 2009 Master Plan, shows total acres in each land use category for the given year.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Rte. 18

1971

1985 North Abington Ctr.

Abington Ctr.

Rte. 123

1999

2005

0

Residential Commercial

.5

1

Miles

Land Use History Abington, MA. 1971-2005

Forest Pond

Land Use

23

Current Land Use Abington’s current developed land use is predominantly residential consisting mainly of single-family detached homes. These houses are relatively spread out due to the Town’s zoning regulations: most of the developable land in town is designated as “Medium Density Residential” district, which calls for a minimum lot size of 30,000 square feet (0.69 acres).

Even the few small “High-Density Residential” districts require a minimum lot-size of 20,000 square feet (0.46 acres), which is greater than most similarly sized towns (see table on page 32).

The relatively few multi-family residential units in town are mostly scattered along the main thoroughfare, Route 18, and in and around the town’s two downtown centers. Spurred by the reactivation of the commuter rail station in 1997, new multi-family apartment complexes have been created, including the 180-unit Abington Woods development, the Gables Condominiums southwest of Ames Nowell State Park, and several large condominium buildings around the Thayer Street loop. The 192-unit Woodlands at Abington Station was built in the town’s Transit Oriented Development zone, delineated in a 2003 zoning update,

intended to increase residential and commercial development near the commuter rail station (Abington Planning Board).

Abington’s two established downtown centers, Abington Center and North Abington Center, contain concentrations of commercial buildings but also some residential and manufacturing buildings. Bank of America and Santander Bank have recently developed locations in Abington Center with notably large parking lots occupying space along roads where residents have expressed the desire to see more businesses. Additional commercial development, found along the state Routes 18 and 123, largely takes the form of large retail chains (often referred to as “big-box” stores). Major large commercial sites in town include the Walmart on Route 123, the Target and Stop and Shop on the Rockland town line, and the Lowes store in the geographic center of town. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that in 2018 Abington had 412 establishments. This number is lower than most towns with a population size similar to Abington (MassEOLWD).

Residential

Medium- to low-density residential development is the primary developed land use in Abington.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Abington’s highest density residential development surrounds North Abington Center.

Several new multi-family apartment complexes have been built in town since the commuter rail station was reactivated in 1997.

North Abington Center 18

T

Abington Center

Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Commercial Industrial Recreation

Land Use Abington, MA. 2019

Urban Open Forest Abandoned/Vacant Surface Water T

*Data Sources: MassGIS, Town of Abington

Commuter Rail Station

Land Use

25

Commercial

Industrial uses are limited to a few small manufacturing buildings near North Abington Center. New municipal buildings located in the geographic center of town, halfway between the two downtown centers, include a library, town offices, and a new middle school/high school complex that opened in 2017.

An important part of the town’s character is its undeveloped natural areas, including forests, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. Residents have expressed an appreciation for Abington’s “small-town,” “woodland” feel. In addition to Ames Nowell state park, other areas protected for their natural resource value include the 40acre Blueberry Hill conservation area and the

73-acre Diane Circle conservation area. The town also has several recreation areas, including sports fields behind the new middle/high school and at the Frolio School, and the much visited and well-loved Island Grove Park, next to Island Grove Pond, which has been called the “Jewel of Abington” (Abington Planning Board, II-1).

Residents have suggested that these areas represent a major aspect of the town that they love. They’ve expressed their desire to see them well maintained and for more open spaces to be preserved in the face of new development pressure, especially areas of high ecological integrity and/or where there is potential for recreation.

Abington’s two established downtown centers, North Abington Center (left) and Abington Center (right), have potential to be active and attractive hubs of commercial and social activity.

Much of the commercial development in the last two decades has been in the form of large retail, or “Big-Box” stores, along major roads in town. Pictured here are the Lowes (left) on Route 18 and the Target and Stop & Shop (right) near the border with Rockland on Route 123.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Several fields in town offer recreation opportunities for the public like the one pictured above behind the Frolio School.

Several undeveloped forested areas that abut residential neighborhoods could still be built upon, threatening an important part of the town character that residents enjoy.

Recreation & Conservation

Industrial Ames Nowell State Park is the largest protected forest area in Abington, occupying 600 acres in the northwest corner of town.

Industrial land use has diminished to a very small percentage of Abington’s area, with only a few warehouse and distribution operations occupying this zone in the northeast corner of the town.

The old Griffin’s Dairy Farm has been converted into recreational open space and community gardens.

Land Use

27

Zoning While overall regional trends and influences are outside of the town’s control, Abington’s zoning map and by-laws are a major tool the town has to guide land use and development in town. In the more developed areas of town, the zoning reflects current uses, while in other lesser- or un-developed regions, the zoning is intended to guide the future development and character of the area. The Natural & Cultural Resources chapter of this Master Plan discusses unprotected areas that are ecologically valuable but developable under current zoning.

The following zoning districts are presented here as they are described in the town’s zoning by-law and summarized in the town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).

Central Business District (CBD) The Central Business District allows the reasonable use, enhancement, expansion and redevelopment of the North Abington business district and Abington Center. These are the town’s two older established business districts that are currently developed in an intensive manner with on-street parking as well as shared scattered off-street lots. The provisions allow new buildings to be set close to the sidewalk or street line to encourage pedestrian access, to maintain pedestrian connections to adjacent properties, and to allow off-site or shared parking. They also provide for residential uses in mixed use developments.

Floodplain and Wetlands Protection District (FW) The Floodplain and Wetlands Protection Overlay District offers a measure of protection to the ecology of the Town. The District’s regulations are intended to protect and preserve the marshes, bogs, ponds, water courses and their inclusively-defined adjoining wetlands. The district also reduces the hazards of flooding and gives protection to the occupants of the floodplain by providing the means for the land to absorb, transmit and store runoff and to assure retention of sufficient floodway areas to convey probable water flows.

Multiple Use Planned Development (MUPD) District The Multiple Use Planned Development District was designed to set standards for the overall planned mixed-use development of the land in two largely undeveloped areas of the town.

The District attempts to accommodate lowimpact activities in an overall “campus” setting.

The new uses would be in compact, intensive clusters, using natural features, vegetation, screening and setbacks to retain an open space character from the road. Thus it would have minimal impacts on surrounding land uses such as the Ames Nowell State Park. The regulations support a more flexible planned development process than is possible through conventional zoning.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District The purpose of the TOD District is to encourage more intensive development near the Abington commuter rail station. It encourages land uses that complement the existing commuter rail line and the established nearby neighborhoods. It does so by allowing a mix of small uses on well buffered sites to support and serve commuters and adjacent residential development, to encourage the continued use of rail service, and to increase the number of pedestrian and bicycle trips, while decreasing the number of local automobile trips.

Transitional Commercial District The Transitional Commercial District seeks to preserve the existing residential character along major thoroughfares that are under pressure for commercial development by allowing a transition to more intensive, but compatible uses. It emphasizes the preservation and adaptive reuse of existing structures; provides for buffers and uses compatible with nearby residential areas; and gives property owners an additional opportunity to use their land without severely diminishing the amenity and residential value of nearby properties. It seeks to minimize

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Abington Master Plan 2019

0

.25

.5

1

Miles

R20 - High Density Residential (20,000 sq. ft.)

R30 - Medium Density Residential (30,000 sq. ft.)

R40 - Low Density Residential (40,000 sq. ft.)

CBD - Central Business District GC - General Commercial HC - Highway Commercial TC - Transitional Commercial BDD - Business Development District TOD - Transit Oriented Development I - Industrial MUPDD - Multi-Use Planned Development District Marijuana Retail Overlay District Zone II Watershed Overlay District

Zoning Map Abington, MA. 2019

congestion on major streets, and to protect the character and appearance of areas that are the key elements of the Town by allowing limited, low-traffic generating non-residential uses which can operate in adapted/expanded existing houses or in compatible new smallscale office/ retail buildings.

High Density Residential R-20 The R-20 District permits single-family detached houses as of right on 20,000 sq. ft. lots. In contrast, specially permitted two family houses, single family attached houses (townhouses) in groups of up to four units, and apartments and multi-unit condominium buildings require 40,000 sq. ft. lots. Despite being called “High Density” the District’s highest density, which is slightly larger than 10 units per acre, is about the same as single-family lots in older closebuilt suburbs.

Medium Density Residential R-30 The District requires minimum lots of 30,000 sq. ft. to provide a spacious single-family detached environment. It excludes two-family or attached dwellings along with apartments and multi-unit condominiums. Various health, social service and recreation facilities are allowable by special permit.

Low Density Residential R-40 This district is intended to provide particularly spacious neighborhoods with lots of at least 40,000 square feet. Although the R-40 Residential District does not allow two-family homes, attached houses, or multi-unit dwellings per se, it does allow Accessory Apartments. It also allows various health, social service “and recreational facilities” by special permit.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

General Commercial (GC) The GC District is intended to accommodate centrally located, compact, accessible business centers, which have adequate vehicular access, exclude noxious or land-expansive uses and are as pedestrian friendly as possible. It allows diverse retail and service use as-of-right or by special permit and excludes most industrial uses. It allows one and two family houses asof-right. It excludes attached and multi-unit housing.

Highway Commercial (HC) The HC District is intended to accommodate businesses catering to auto-oriented markets or needing relatively large sites which would be inappropriate downtown. It allows varied retail and service uses as-of-right or by special permit. It also allows single-family and twofamily houses, apartments, and motels by special permit. The District requires 20,000 sq. ft. lots for most uses, but Section 7-3 again calls for 40,000 sq. ft. lots for any attached or multiunit housing. Coverage is limited only through yard and parking requirements.

Questions arise as to how these zoning regulations have shaped land use in Abington and how they could potentially be changed to better produce the results Abington residents want. If they haven’t produced desirable effects, then why? The Central Business Districts, for example, are zoned for high density and a mix of uses but are not currently the active and attractive downtown centers that residents desire. Why not? Have the relatively large minimum lot sizes in residential zones contributed to sprawling development? The following looks into some of these issues and opportunities with zoning and land use in Abington.

Land Use Issues and Opportunities Abington’s steady population growth has been channeled into medium- to low-density residential development spread fairly evenly throughout the town, a development style that could be described as “sprawl.” While the intention of low-density zoning and large lot sizes is to retain a small-town or rural character, many of these lots are maintained as expansive open lawns, consuming the undeveloped forested areas, which are key habitats and are highly valued by residents for their contribution to the town’s character.

Much of Abington’s land area is already maximally developed (shown in gray on the map below-left) with lots that can not be

subdivided further under current zoning.

Nevertheless, there are still 1397 acres in town that are unprotected and could still be subdivided and developed under current zoning (shown in yellow on the map belowright). Some of these areas are ecologically sensitive habitat areas (discussed further in the Natural and Cultural Resources chapter of this Master Plan).

Another major drawback of sprawling development is the high cost of building and maintaining the roads and other infrastructure needed to support it. Residential land uses, in general, generate less tax revenue than commercial ones, and in towns like Abington,

Buildable/Not Buildable

Undevelopable Land Protected Open Space Wetlands & Their Buffers

Developable Land Developable Land (With current zoning and lack of protection)

Fully Developed (under current zoning)

Land Use

31

where the percentage of residential land use is so high, it can be difficult to support town services, such as infrastructure and schools, without a strong commercial tax base (Flinker, 2).

From about the year 2008 to 2014, Abington consistently neared or reached its daily limit of wastewater sent to neighboring towns (Brockton and Rockland) for treatment. A sewer moratorium was in place for much of that time period, barring new development from tying in to the sewer system. In November of 2014, however, an inter-municipal agreement with Brockton was signed that increased the maximum average wastewater allotment from 1 million gallons per day (MGD) to 1.5 million gallons per day, made possible by significant upgrades and repairs Brockton made to its wastewater processing system. Sewer capacity is no longer a constraint on new development (Old Colony Planning Council, III-11).

Town residents have also expressed their interest in seeing their two downtown centers revitalized with more businesses that provide needed and desired amenities and employment opportunities, housing options for a wide range of incomes and ages, and attractive landscaping and street design.

Along the main downtown corridors, there

32

are several gaps between buildings that could offer opportunities for infill that would achieve the community’s desire for new businesses and housing options and could also improve the appearance of the downtowns to fit more closely with the community’s visual preference.

(A process of surveying these preferences was begun in the community meetings held thus far; however, more community input is needed.)

Several community members have expressed displeasure with new large parking lots that have been installed along the main road in Abington Center, taking up valuable space.

Some towns in the state have created design guidelines or have implemented form-based codes so that new development contributes to a desired downtown character.

The urban planning and transportation strategy “Smart Growth” offers potential remedies for these land use issues facing Abington. The strategy proposes to lessen or prevent sprawl by concentrating new development around existing communities and infrastructure in compact walkable village centers. This approach can conserve the town character and sensitive natural areas and at the same time create the kinds of active and attractive downtown areas that Abington residents desire. In addition, these centers have

Minimum Residential Lot Size (square feet)

Minimum Residential Frontage (feet)

Abington

20,000

100

Andover

15,000

115

Randolph

12,000

100

Medfield

12,000

80

Concord

10,000

80

Rockport

10,000

50

Greenfield

8,000

65

Wellesley

7,500

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Abington Master Plan 2019

This table compares different towns’ dimensional regulations in residential zones within one mile of their downtown centers. These regulations have a major effect on the density of development in these neighborhoods. Abington residents have expressed a desire for compact walkable village centers yet Abington’s regulations call for less density than these other towns. Studying the effect these regulations have had on the walkability and the feel in or around downtown areas of these other towns could give Abington an idea of what might work to achieve their goals.

the potential to foster a closer, more connected and integrated community and attract new businesses that generate tax revenue for the town.

Many aspects of Abington’s current zoning bylaw already promote this kind of development. For example, the Central Business Districts around the two town centers allow high density and a mix of uses. These cover relatively small areas, however, and the residential districts surrounding them could do more to support village style development by allowing higher density and more housing options. The “High-Density Residential” zone around North Abington Center allows a minimum lot size of 20,000 or just under half an acre. This is relatively large compared to other towns that have zoned for more dense development near their town center. Multifamily housing in this zone also requires a special permit. Allowing this use by right could remove this small barrier to this type of development. Surrounding Abington Center is the “Medium Residential Zone,” which calls for a minimum lot size of 30,000 square feet and does not allow multi-family housing. Rezoning neighborhoods within walking distance of the two downtown centers to permit multi-family housing and smaller minimum lot size would create the conditions for denser, more villagelike and walkable communities to develop, as residents have expressed a desire for.

The top picture shows a budding village in a rural setting. The bottom picture is an example of what would happen if the surrounding area were built out according to conventional zoning practices. While large-lot zoning is intended to preserve rural character, it often has the effect of converting much of the natural landscape into residential parcels maintained as expansive lawncovered yards. (Flinker)

The Smart Growth Network is a partnership of government, business, and civic organizations that support smart growth. The US Environmental Protection Agency is one of the founding partners of the network whose primary function is to organize information about best practices as communities all over the country implement these principles. The Smart Growth Network has identified ten core principles of smart growth: • • • • • • • • • •

Mix land uses.

Take advantage of compact building design.

Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.

Create walkable neighborhoods.

Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.

Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas.

Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities.

Provide a variety of transportation choices.

Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.

Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

Land Use

33

Smart Growth in Abington EXISTING COMMUNITIES AND TRANSPORTATION HUBS A central strategy of Smart Growth is encouraging development around existing communities and transportation hubs. This approach supports efficient development that reduces the cost and volume of materials for street and sewer infrastructure, promotes non-vehicle transportation options, and increases an area’s vibrancy, while steering development away from open spaces with ecological or recreational value (Smart Growth America). The map to the right shows the two existing downtown centers and the commuter rail station with a half-mile buffer around each, indicating an area of interest for new development according to Smart Growth principles. A half-mile is the distance a typical pedestrian can walk in ten minutes and is widely used as a distance most people are comfortable walking (Layton).

WHERE NOT TO GROW The map to the right indicates places within these areas of interest where development should be steered away from or can not happen due to town, state, or federal regulations.

Under the latter are wetlands, protected by Massachusetts’ Wetlands Protection Act, and the town’s protected open spaces (which, within these areas of interest, are all protected for recreation). Within the Watershed Protection District, development is regulated but not prohibited. Development here could threaten this drinking water resource with pollution (discussed further in the Watershed Protection chapter on page 80.)

Protected Open Space Wetlands Watershed Protection District

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Abington Master Plan 2019

North Abington Center

1/2 mile

Abington Center Commuter Rail Station

AREA TO FOCUS SMART GROWTH DEVELOPMENT Removing those areas where development should not be encouraged leaves the areas shown in yellow below as the prime places to promote infill development and revitalization efforts that would support more vibrant, walkable, mixed-use village areas, while protecting critical natural resources and open spaces (refer to discussion on pages 31-33).

0

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Area to focus Smart Growth development

Land Use

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Land Use Goals Guide commercial and residential growth in a manner that minimizes impact on natural resources and recreation opportunities, contributes to the tax base, provides a variety of housing and employment opportunities, and makes efficient use of public services.

Encourage development and redevelopment in the two downtowns of Abington Center and North Abington Center, including attracting businesses that provide desired amenities, mixing uses in existing and new buildings, and concentrating new housing around the downtowns to foster a more vibrant and walkable community.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Recommendations

Recommended strategies and actions to achieve the land use goals are intended to promote Smart Growth in Abington by accommodating population increase and channeling new development in and around the two established town centers, thereby preserving the less-developed or undeveloped lands that contribute to town character, offer opportunities for recreation, and/or provide habitat and serve other ecological functions.

priority infill areas should be determined and development should be encouraged there. This can also improve the look of the downtown street and make it feel like a unique place in town.

STRATEGY 1 Encourage development and redevelopment in and around Abington Center and North Abington Center.

Assess parking availability in the downtown centers and decrease minimum requirements where possible to lessen barriers for new economic development.

ACTIONS Work with residents who live near Abington Center and North Abington Center to determine new zoning regulations that will allow higher density residential, commercial, and mixed-use development and more multifamily housing. Zoning changes can be met with resistance from residents who do not want their neighborhood to change. Undertaking an extensive process of community involvement, discussing the potential pros and cons of the changes, and creating a shared vision offers the best chance that outcomes will please all parties.

Use Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure (discussed on page 82-83) to limit or offset potentially negative environmental effects of new development.

Explore the suitability of creating Smart Growth Overlay Districts that extend beyond the current Central Business Districts that will make the town eligible for Commonwealth funding under Chapter 40R for adopting zoning that encourages denser development and more housing options, including affordable housing.

Several towns in Massachusetts have used this act to help them on their path to smart growth (CHAPA, 11).

Encourage infill commercial, residential, and multi-use development along main commercial strips in downtown centers. The larger gaps between structures along these streets are opportunities for new businesses, housing, and other mixed-use development. High

Identify “underutilized� and vacant sites in or near downtown centers. Once identified, determine desired redevelopment and seek partners.

STRATEGY 2 Improve appearance and public amenities in North Abington Center and Abington Center.

ACTIONS Form a downtown placemaking committee to direct improvements and look into creating a downtown Business Improvement District (BID) to generate funds. A committee of residents and business owners could convene and envision desired landscape and placemaking improvements. In a Business Improvement District, the business owners make financial contributions that improve the area that they collectively share.

Improve the public spaces in the downtowns, especially along the main corridors, with street trees and other vegetation, gathering spaces, seating, wider sidewalks, and other public amenities where possible. Increasing density is one piece of the puzzle in fostering a more active downtown area, but another key piece is making it a pleasing and comfortable place to be. This can have a great effect on businesses as well by attracting a larger consumer base.

Land Use

37

Improve pedestrian liveability in downtowns.

Walkability is not only about providing short distances between points of interest. It’s equally about designing and fostering an enjoyable and safe walking experience (discussed further in the Natural and Cultural Resources chapter.)

Work with the community to determine visual preferences and create downtown design guidelines. Consider developing form-based codes based on these preferences. Form based codes, as the name suggests, focus on regulating the physical form of the built environment instead of the uses contained therein, encouraging a desired look and character for an area.

Enhance gateway locations. In North Abington Center, the intersection of Adams Street (Route 58) and Route 139, could be improved to provide a more attractive and inviting entrance to the main corridor. In Abington Center, the intersections where Brockton Avenue meets Rockland Avenue and where Route 123 meets Washington Street are locations where landscaping improvements and placemaking features would enhance the experience of entering the downtown district.

Research the feasibility and cost of burying utility wires.

Schedule events in the downtowns. Events both draw people to the downtowns and begin to create a sense of community centered around these districts.

Create signs and wayfinding from downtown centers to nearby recreation areas. Signs can help orient visitors to these areas and also create a sense of cohesion between points of interest. For example, the close-by rail trail is a great asset for North Abington Center and clear wayfinding to and from it will bolster this connection.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Apply for community improvement grants such as the “Our Town” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. This grant supports projects that “integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes.”

Enlist the help of the Arts Council to contribute public installation pieces made by Abington residents. `

Natural and Cultural Resources

3 Natural and Cultural Resources

39

3

Natural and Cultural Resources Abington has a rich and dynamic mix of open spaces ranging from pine stands to extensive wetlands to large rocky outcroppings and more. The town’s open spaces connect it ecologically and culturally to surrounding communities through shared resources and recreation space as well as to the larger New England landscape through a long and storied history. Natural resources contribute to the town’s health and vibrancy by providing crucial environmental and ecosystem services.

The town of Abington’s cultural events, historical structures, and open spaces contribute to the identity and sense of place of a town that is both rooted in its history and growing and changing over time. Natural and cultural resources bolster quality of life in town through their intrinsic educational, recreational, health, and aesthetic values.

Section cover photo (on previous page) taken by Amanda Hawes

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Key Terms: Canopy

The layer of leaves and branches that shelter the ground when viewed from above.

Deciduous

A tree or shrub that sheds its leaves annually.

Drumlin

A long, narrow or oval, smoothly rounded hill.

Ecology

The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

Evergreen

A plant that retains green leaves throughout the year (like a pine).

Habitat

The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

Open space

Land, both protected and unprotected, that is not developed.

Watershed

An area between ridges of land through which water flows into rivers, basins, or seas.

(Encyclopedia Britannica)

History of the Land Before the town was named Abington

by Joseph Dudley, Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, it was named Manamooskeagin, meaning “Great Green Place of Shaking Greens” in the Algonquian language (Dyer Memorial Library, History of Abington). Algonquian is one of the largest and most widespread North American native language groups, spoken by several tribes.

The Algonquian language has a rich tradition of assigning names to places that reflect the physical conditions of that place (The Algonkian Tribes, Ushistory.Org). Abington’s Algonquian

name is thought to refer to a meadow. Some of the land that would become Abington was disputed territory between the Massachuset and the Wampanoag tribes, who both lived in the area. That land was sold to the British as part of the Bridgewater Purchase made in 1650 from Massasoit, Chief of the Wampanoag Federation.

The first European settlement in town was in 1668 and Abington was incorporated in 1712, the original town boundaries including what is current day Abington, Rockland, and Whitman.

By 1875 Abington’s borders had become what they are today (Dyer Memorial Library, History of Abington).

HUMAN POPULATIONS AND THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Indigenous populations in eastern Massachusetts managed and altered landscapes through “mobile farming,” an agricultural tradition including seasonal movement between farming and hunting locations and, in some areas, forest management through burning, which may have served to drive game, prepare land for planting, or clear underbrush to make travel and hunting easier (Patterson and Sassaman).

With European settlement came a twocentury-long, large-scale deforestation for the purpose of agriculture. This dramatically altered the landscape, which formerly was a mix of large forests and some meadows. Over the past two hundred years, following the decline in agriculture, Massachusetts has experienced widespread regrowth of much of that forest.

However, since about 1950, urban and suburban development has spread across the landscape, initiating a new wave of deforestation that presents considerable challenges to modern day conservation.

Today, Abington is a primarily residential community that has retained some forested areas, several of them forested wetlands (Foster et al.).

Section showing types of land use over recent centuries, from Native American use through to the suburban housing trend that began in the 1950s.

Natural and Cultural Resources

41

Natural Resources SOILS, TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY

Abington’s geology, like the rest of New England, was shaped by a glacial ice sheet that covered the region. As the glacier began to melt and recede, it carved a basin in the landscape in the area of the present day Hockomock Swamp (the state’s largest wetland), which is located 12 miles southwest of Abington. As the ice continued to recede it revealed the region’s distinctive north-south drumlins and created the present day drainage pattern found in Abington (Abington Planning Board VI-1).

Abington’s topography is described as “gently undulating,” neither hilly nor flat, with some large granite outcroppings, especially in the area of Ames Nowell State Park (Abington Planning Board VI-2). The soils of Abington reflect geological events and are composed of the underlying bedrock, primarily granite, with an area of mafic rock and of sedimentary rock.

The surficial geologic layer above the bedrock is mostly composed of glacially transported debris called “till” with some large areas of sand and gravel deposits, mostly located toward to western side of town.

Many areas of town are designated by the Commonwealth as having prime farmland soils, meaning they have the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing high crop yields. Though much of this land is now either covered by residential or commercial development, it is reminiscent of Abington’s past as an agricultural community (MassGIS).

Soils and topograpy can influence where development occurs, such as on flat areas rather than on rock outcroppings, and what plants grow where due to soil types, depth, and aspect (the cardinal direction that a slope faces, effecting the amount of sun it gets).

Soils, topography, and geology make up the foundation of the look and feel of Abington, from the shape of the landscape to the vegetation that occupies it.

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Abington Master Plan 2019

DEVELOPMENT WITH A HIGH WATER TABLE

While Abington’s soil types are generally very well-draining (being primarily formed in till, sand, and gravel), it is worth noting that Abington has a seasonally high water table that also can affect moisture in the soil. In the past it was thought that the high water table would hinder residential and commercial development in much of the town as it creates severe limitations for on-site septic systems, but with the current town-wide sewerage, about 95% of which is treated in Brockton and the rest in Rockland, this is no longer an issue. This means that septic limitations are not currently an impediment to development, though it is unclear how much demand from population growth will affect this in the future (CDM Smith and Weston & Sampson).

Natural and Cultural Resources

43

Watershed

Forest

A more detailed analysis of hydrology can be found in the Watershed Protection section of this plan, beginning on page 66.

At approximately 42% canopy cover, Abington contains and is connected to some large contiguous forested areas as well as many smaller patches of forest and individual shade trees. The graph on the next page shows the change in total forest and trees over time.

As previously mentioned, the town’s growth patterns have contributed to deforestation, with the largest loss of 565 acres of forest occurring between 1971 and 1991. The deforestation slowed over the next eight years, potentially due to the natural reforestation of some former farmlands (Old Colony Planning Council IV-8).

Between 1999 and 2011 there was still a loss of about 253 acres of forest, mostly to residential development.

Abington’s current Town code does require a minimum of two trees per lot for new dwelling units in residential areas, and places certain restrictions on tree thinning in an effort to maintain some tree canopy and for the aesthetic value to neighborhoods. Abington’s undeveloped areas are primarily forest and forested wetlands. The largest of these forest and forested wetland areas within the town is the area that makes up Ames Nowell State Park and the unprotected land north of it, across Chestnut Street. Tree canopy in Abington consists of a mix of deciduous and evergreen species including ash, red maple, and red and white pine, with some pure white pine stands (Old Colony Planning Council).

The forested areas in Abington are diverse and valued by the town aesthetically and recreationally in addition to supplying an array of ecosystem services such as water filtration and air quality improvement. However, growth patterns in town have still contributed substantially to deforestation.

As a town that has experienced steady population growth for decades, it is important for the Town of Abington and its residents to be cognizant of the effect this growth may be having on their water resources, in addition to being prepared for potential future challenges.

This begins with knowing what those resources are and how they benefit the town and large ecosystems. The Watershed Protection section of this plan identifies some of the specific challenges facing Abington in terms of water resources and supply, as well as identifying strengths.

Abington sits at the top of three watersheds.

87% of the town is within the Taunton River Watershed with a portion of the southeast and northeast areas of town in the South Coastal Watershed and an even smaller area of the northwest corner of town in the Boston Harbor Watershed. Abington contains several smaller sub-watersheds that drain primarily into the town’s two major streams, the Shumatuscacant on the eastern side of town and Beaver Brook on the western side, which delineates part of Abington’s border with Brockton. The town’s three largest ponds are Cushing Pond, Cleveland Pond just south of it (both of which are fed by Beaver Brook) and Island Grove Pond, which is fed by the Shumatuscacant.

There are extensive wetlands in the region and Abington is very much a part of this larger wetland network, with both open and forested wetlands throughout the town.

Abington obtains its public drinking water from three sources, including wells in the south of town near Meyers Avenue and surface water sources in the towns of Rockland and Pembroke (Abington Planning Board VI-2).

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Abington Master Plan 2019

42%

Approx.

Canopy

*Data sources: MassGIS, NOAA

Column1

Column2

Column3

Column4

Column5

Town of Abington Total Forest and Trees 1971- 2011 1971 1991 1999 Change in Acres 2011 Acres Acres Acres 1971- 1999 Acres 3,622

3,057

2,999

-623

2,746

Column6 Change in Acres 1999-2011 -253 Natural and Cultural Resources

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CHANGING FOREST COMPOSITION: PATHOGENS AND INVASIVE INSECTS

North Avenue, North Abington, 2019

When Dutch Elm Disease, first discovered in the U.S. in 1930, wiped out millions of American elms, almost erasing them from the landscape entirely, the ecological and cultural impact was tremendous. The tree that had been a forest canopy tree as well as a staple feature lining main streets across the country disappeared. In Abington it completely changed the look and feel of the downtowns and they still have not recovered the tree-lined streets they used to enjoy.

Today there are an array of tree pathogens (a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease) and invasive insects that are having widespread effects on native tree species in Massachusetts and beyond. Popular native street trees like ash and dominant forest canopy trees like hemlock are seeing widespread and sometimes rapid decline in some parts of the U.S. from invasives that are now present in Massachusetts. This, in addition to warming temperatures from climate change, presents the likelihood that forest composition will change, potentially reducing forest diversity, health, and ability to support some native animal species.

Towns throughout New England are preparing for this likely change by choosing street trees that are less susceptible to pathogens and invasives and are better suited to the warmer climate of states to the south, like Virginia and the Carolinas and thus can tolerate warming conditions in New England. Many towns and regions have launched efforts to closely monitor the health of their forests and look for signs of disease. Many of the long-term implications of this change in forests are unknown but Abington may benefit from monitoring its forests, being aware of potential coming changes, and looking to the management strategies of other towns (UMass Amherst MassWoods).

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Ecosystem Services Abington is fortunate to have areas of healthy and intact forest and wetland systems.

Where many other towns in the region have seen much more widespread fragmentation of natural resources, Abington still maintains some considerable natural areas, some of which are protected, and all of which contribute greatly to the health and vibrancy of the town and surrounding landscape.

The concept of ecosystem services has been developed to describe the various benefits people gain from functioning environmental systems. These benefits can be direct or indirect—small or large. Some of Abington’s most significant ecosystem services include water purification and flood control through wetlands as well as the unseen but highly valuable climate-regulating services of the town’s forests (“Ecosystem Services”). As just one example, though farming is no longer a major industry in Abington, the town has a community garden at Griffin’s Dairy Farm (now a town-owned open space) that relies on the ecosystem service of pollination for the provisioning service of food production.

Wetlands constitute some of the most productive ecosystems in the world and are comparable to rain forests and coral reefs in this regard. These systems can contain a vast assortment of species and have conditions ideal for the development of organisms that make up the base of the food web. Wetland species are integral in the global cycles for water, nitrogen and sulfur. Scientists now know that climate mitigation can be an additional wetlands function as they store carbon within their plant communities and soils. Wetlands also provide water quality improvement through filtration and flood control through storage of flood waters (OW US EPA).

Functions of Ecosystem Services Provisioning

Regulating

Cultural

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

Food Clean water Fresh air Fuel and energy

Air, soil and water quality Erosion control Pest control Pollination

Recreation Aesthetic Spiritual Education

Supporting • Soil formation • Atmosphere regulation • Nutrient cycling • Habitat support • Biomass production

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Ecological Integrity BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape

BioMap2 is the result of a collaborative effort, including thirty years of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program rare species and natural community data and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 2005 State Wildlife Action Plan. BioMap2 also integrates information from the Nature Conservancy, identifying large, biodiverse, and intact landscapes and ecosystems in Massachusetts. In addition, the data incorporates assessment of ecosystem resilience in acknowledgment of the continuing impacts of climate change (NHESP and MassDFW).

Ames Nowell State Park and the land just to the north of it, across Chestnut Street, is part of a larger area containing Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape. This area, especially considering its close proximity to the highly built up areas of Boston and Brockton, is highly valuable for its size, intactness, and diversity of species and habitats. This area is also home to a small Atlantic white cedar swamp just north of Cleveland Pond. These swamps are particularly rare and valuable and rely on the normal functioning of the surrounding hydrologic system for their survival. Disturbance from residential development is one of the biggest threats to Atlantic white cedar swamps, and wetlands in general, as it can alter hydrologic functioning and introduce pollutants into the ecosystem (Mass.gov). Abington, being near the top of the watershed (with a small portion extending into Holbrook), is less susceptible to disturbance of its hydrologic systems from residential development upstream. This area is, however, highly susceptible to disturbance from within the town, potentially damaging the valuable ecosystems found there and fragmenting what is currently a contiguous swath of Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape.

The area in the south of town which is just north of, and connected to, a non-forested wetland in Whitman called Hobart Meadow, contains both Core Habitat and Critical Natural

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Landscape. This is also Abington’s groundwater recharge area and contains wellheads and a large forested wetland, therefore, wetland health and water quality in this area has particular importance for both the species found there and Abington residents.

In the northeast corner of Abington is a portion of a large swath of Core Habitat that extends into Weymouth and Rockland. Due to the ongoing construction of a housing development on part of this land in Weymouth, this area has been fragmented somewhat, which has likely had some adverse effects on the habitat. The portion of this Core Habitat land located in Abington, however, is not currently developed and has extensive wetlands. Notably, this land is also about 1/3 of a mile east of Route 18, which the towns of Abington and Weymouth have begun widening to two lanes in each direction. The road project has some storm water management plans but runoff from construction is still a potential risk considering the project’s proximity to this Core Habitat area. In addition, this area in the northeast of Abington is zoned for commercial and for multiuse planned development, meaning that this area could be developed, further fragmenting this habitat area (Mass.gov).

BioMap2 maps two datasets

Core Habitats are areas necessary to promote the long-term persistence of certain rare species, exemplary natural communities, intact ecosystems.

This includes wetland core habitats.

• Critical Natural Landscapes are intact landscapes that support ecological processes, are resilient to disturbances, like climate change, and are able to support a wide array of species and habitats over a long period of time. Critical natural landscape and Core Habitat sometimes overlap.

•

BioMap2 areas that have unprotected land

Union Point

Ames Nowell State Park

Hobart Meadow Whitman

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Abington Habitat at a Glance

• BioMap2 Core Habitat: 946 acres • BioMap2 Core Habitat Protected: 350 acres or 36.9% • BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape: 43 acres • BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape Protected: 25 acres or 57.5%.

Core Habitat

• 1 Wetland Core • 1 Aquatic Core 4 Species of Conservation Concern Cores: 4 birds, 2 reptiles, 1 amphibian, 2 insects

Caps Index of Ecological Integrity

The Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS) is a computer program created by UMass Amherst to identify land that is of high conservation priority based on landscape ecology principles and expert opinion. In 2011, the school’s Landscape Ecology Program completed a state-wide CAPS assessment, generating a map for every city and town in Massachusetts (CAPS at the University of Massachusetts).

Critical Natural Landscape • 1 Wetland Core Buffer • 1 Aquatic Core Buffer (NHESP and MassDFW)

CAPS IEI State-wide map with Abington outlined.

Darker green represents higher ecological integrity.

Abington*NTS

According to CAPS, Ames Nowell State Park and the land to the north of it across Chestnut Street in Abington contains forest, wetland, and shrubland of high ecological integrity. This extends north into the Weymouth Great Pond Reservoir area and south into Brockton’s Beaver Brook Conservation Area. The shrubland occurs primarily along a utility easement that provides good edge habitat for species like deer and cottontail rabbits and several types of birds.

There is also a small portion of CAPS forest and wetland in the southeast corner of Abington, the wetland abutted on its northwestern side by residences, which is connected to the larger Beech Saints Conservation Land in Rockland and Whitman.

CAPS areas that have unprotected land 50

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Caps Index of Ecological Integrity

Limited protection open space In perpetuity protected open space

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Priority for Protection FIRST PRIORITY 1

unprotected areas north of chestnut street

This area is currently unprotected and much of it, outside of the wetland buffers, is considered by the Town to be suitable for development. However, this area represents a portion of the much larger network of forests, wetlands, and forested wetlands that is home to both endangered species and exemplary natural communities. It also represents some of the largest contiguous forest in Abington and contributes greatly to the forested look and feel of the town that is highly valued by residents.

Since the town has had significant deforestation in the past, this area is particularly important in this respect.

FOURTH PRIORITY

other large forest areas in town that are not protected

Abington still has some sizable forested areas that, while not listed as BioMap2 or CAPS habitats, have habitat value for many species and recreational and aesthetic value for community members. These areas of forest contribute greatly to the overall feel of the town and provide important ecosystem services.

SECOND PRIORITY 2

unprotected land within groundwater recharge and core habitat area

This land contains both core habitat and critical natural landscape and is the groundwater recharge area for a portion of Abington’s drinking water. The Town, as well as the Abington Rockland Joint Water Works, owns much land within this area but there is still some land, both Town and privately owed, that is susceptible to development which could adversely effect both habitat and water quality.

THIRD PRIORITY 3

unprotected land in northwest the corner of town next to union point

The undeveloped land adjacent to Union Point in Abington is core habitat and is important in maintaining the link between this area in Abington and the other parts of the habitat that haven’t already been fragmented by development. Considering that the ecological connectivity of this area in Weymouth is already threatened by ongoing development, further development in Abington presents the risk of further fragmentation.

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Wooded area north of Chestnut Street

Protected Open Space

1

Town-Owned Land

2

3

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Cultural Resources PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

Most of Abington’s many acres of open space are public, with the notable exception of 17.8 acres of water supply protection land on the southern border of town, just east of Walnut Street, which is managed by the Abington Water Department. This prioritization of public access provides residents as well as visitors with a variety of different recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking trails, to playgrounds and sports fields, educational conservation areas, and spaces that commemorate important moments in the history of Abington. The Town has taken a proactive approach to acquiring lands for these purposes, anticipating the outdoor recreation needs of the growing community.

In addition to Town and privately owned open space (Mt. Vernon Cemetery is public but privately owned, as noted on the map on the following page), Abington also contains Ames Nowell State Park.

Prominent Abington Open Spaces Ames Nowell State Park Beaver Brook Conservation Area Diane Circle Conservation Area High Street Conservation Area Strawberry Valley Golf Course Island Grove Park

Acres

Level of Protection

The 600-acre state park is part of the larger swath of primarily forested land whose high ecological value was highlighted earlier in this section (Old Colony Planning Council). The park is the largest open space in Abington by far and is well loved by the community and by surrounding communities, though residents in Abington have expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s seemingly low standard for maintenance of the park, citing issues like broken benches, poorly marked trails, and brush overgrowth obstructing scenic areas.

Recently, this desire among town residents to see Ames Nowell improved has led to the formation of the Ames Nowell State Park Master Plan Advisory Committee, which is seeking to make improvements through volunteer contributions and through urging the state to allocate more funding to the park and provide full-time staffing (Grove).

600 In perpetuity

Primary Purpose Conservation and recreation

Uses and Features Hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, historic structures

218 In perpetuity

Conservation

73.32 In perpetuity

Conservation

26 In perpetuity

Conservation

Hiking trails Informal open space abutting Beaver Brook Many uses, including cross country skiing

52 In perpetuity

Recreation Recreation and historic

Golfing, cross country skiing Swimming, day camp, historic arch seasonal celebrations

Historic

Historic and religious significance, walking paths

Conservation

Informal open space, wildlife Shared use walking and biking path Walking paths, community garden, bird watching

19 In perpetuity

Mt. Vernon Cemetery Blueberry Hill Conservation Area Hanover Branch Rail Trail

Limited61.44 Private owner

2.6 (miles) In perpetuity

Recreation

Griffin's Dairy Farm

35.32 Limited

Recreation

40 In perpetuity

These are some of the most prominent open spaces in Abington. In addition to these are several other, smaller open spaces, many wooded with informal uses.

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HISTORICAL PLACES In Abington, there are many open spaces that, in addition to their recreational uses, are integral in connecting the town to its rich history and contribute to the town’s sense of place. One such place toward the southeast of town, just north of the commuter rail station and Abington Center, is Island Grove Park.

Island Grove Park is a 19-acre open space that is walking distance from several neighborhoods, the downtowns, the high school/ middle school and town offices, and several other open spaces. Its location, historical significance, and popularity among locals and visitors make Island Grove Park one of the most prominent spaces in town. It is often lovingly referred to as “The Jewel of Abington” by residents and has also had the nickname “Abolition Grove” (Ernest Wilson’s New England Trees - Arnold Arboretum). This is because, from 1846 to 1865, Island Grove Park was an important meeting place for Abolitionists. People came by the hundreds from Boston and the surrounding areas to hold anti-slavery protests and listen to famous Abolitionist speakers like William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips (Abington Planning Board). This piece of Abington’s history is a point of pride for the community and is commemorated by a Civil War memorial arch at the end of a footbridge over Island Grove Pond. The arch was dedicated in 1912 and rededicated in 2015 following needed repairs that were called for in the 2009 master plan.

Reminiscent of Abington’s shoemanufacturing past are the many historic shoe factories in town, some of which have been converted for other uses. In the 1800s, Abington was one of the major shoe manufacturing towns in New England. The 1850 census reported that there were 36 shoe manufacturers in town. Neighborhoods grew up around shoe factories in Abington Center, along Bedford Street, and in North Abington.

The North Abington Train Depot, now a restaurant, was built in 1893 and is a prominent historic building in North Abington Center.

Its construction was the result of an event in town called the Abington Train Riot. This was an altercation between Abington locals and 56

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railroad workers who were ordered to tear up a section of Abington’s trolley tracks that crossed the railroad track right-of-way. The case went to court and the judge ruled in favor of the town.

As an olive branch, the railroad company built the North Abington Train Depot.

Beyond these, the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System lists 28 properties in Abington that were built before 1800. Each of these historic structures has a story and contributes to the culture and look of Abington today (Abington Planning Board).

COMMUNITY EVENTS Many residents of Abington have an Irish heritage, making St. Patrick’s Day a significant celebration in town. Abington’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest south of Boston and is well attended by locals and people from surrounding communities. Other traditions in town include: • • • • •

Oktoberfest Christmas at Island Grove Park The Summer Concert Series The Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Founders Day on June 8, which includes a 5K race

These, in addition to community run clubs (such as the Colonial Runners Run Club), arts organizations, several types of team sports, the Lions Club and Rotary Club, and more, contribute to Abington’s sense of place and community pride (Abington Celebrates Home).

The North Abington Train Depot

The former Crossett Shoe Factory

Historic Places Graphic

4th of July at Island Grove

The Summer Concert Series

Photo taken by Beth Godfrey

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Walkable Bikeable Abington There is tremendous opportunity to improve walkability and bikeability in Abington, given that there is some existing infrastructure, including sidewalks on most streets as well as some trails, and that many desirable destinations in town are in close proximity to one another. Taking steps to improve safety and access for areas that are lacking could have a significant positive impact on walkability and bikeability in Abington.

DESIRABLE DESTINATIONS

According to residents at both community meetings, connectivity in the form of walking and biking is important and thus has become a main goal for this master plan. This call for more options to travel around town is motivated in part by the many desirable destinations within Abington, from parks, to the downtowns, to the town’s various schools, public buildings, and sports fields. There are also some destinations that border or are nearby Abington that residents enjoy. Some of the primary desirable destinations, identified in community meetings, are as follows:

Island Grove Park

Described on page 56, Island Grove is a well loved space in town whose features include a swimming area, summer camp, and the famous arch which sits at the end of a pine forest in a fairly densely populated area of town.

Ames Nowell State Park

The just over 600-acre state park in Abington is the largest area of protected land in town and has several recreational uses including hiking, biking, picnicking and fishing. The park is enjoyed by both Abington residents and residents of surrounding towns and its landscape has important educational, historic, and habitat value. Abington residents enjoy fishing on Cleveland Pond, coming across deer in the woods, and hiking to find pieces of the land’s history, like an old family cemetery plot and the location of a former grist mill.

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The Hanover Branch Rail Trail and the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway

Extending from the town of Hanover in the southeast to North Abington Center, the rail trail is a 2.6 mile shared use (meaning walking and biking) path that was completed in recent years and brings pedestrians and bikers into Abington in addition to giving residents of Abington the opportunity to travel on it into Rockland and Hanover.

The 155 mile Claire Saltonstall bikeway is a bike path that extends from Boston to Cape Cod and passes by the western border of Abington near Ames Nowell State Park, through Brockton (Masspaths).

North Abington Center and Abington Center Abington’s two downtowns are abutted by residential neighborhoods and feature restaurants, historic buildings, and shops.

Griffin’s Dairy Farm

The Town is in the process of constructing trails through this 35-acre former dairy farm on the eastern boarder of town. The space also features a large community garden.

Mt. Vernon Cemetery

A well-loved historic open space in town, Mt. Vernon Cemetery features rolling hills dotted with ornate tombstones. The cemetery has a road throughout the property used by both cars and pedestrians. There are several large, very old trees throughout the cemetery as well as a pond near its center (Old Colony Planning Council).

The high school/ middle school, library, and town offices

Located near the geographic center of town, the newly built high school/ middle school as well as the town offices and library are all adjacent to one another and have become a central meeting place for a variety of town groups and events.

The commuter rail station

Being a bedroom community, many Abington residents commute to work in and around Boston and while most drive, many people also take the T. This provides a great alternative for those who are unable to drive or want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Other publicly accessible open spaces

Some other valued open spaces include the Blueberry Hill Conservation Area and the more recently Town-acquired Carista property in the north of Abington, as well as Diane Circle and the Strawberry Valley Golf Course.

Beaver Brook Conservation Area in Brockton is on the border of Abington as well and has some trails, though none are accessible from the Abington side.

Increasing Access Unsafe intersection

Commuter Rail Tracks

Busiest roads Essential to the community’s goal of walkability and bikeability is understanding the factors that are currently discouraging and/ or prohibiting people from walking and biking.

CHALLENGES

Community members identified several intersections as unsafe, either because of their history of car accidents, amount of traffic, and/or high incidences of speeding.

These intersections are mostly located at the confluence of major roads in town and there is one in each of the downtowns.

In addition to these intersections and busy roads being an impediment to walking and biking, the commuter rail line also cuts through the town, somewhat separating a portion of the east side from many town destinations, especially since much of the length of the tracks is fenced off and some road crossings are far apart.

There are some residential roads in Abington that don’t have sidewalks and there are no roads with separate bike lanes. Further research is needed to determine which roads have the highest potential for adding bike lanes and which roads may benefit from added sidewalks.

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ACCESSIBILITY

Town connectivity should benefit the whole population as much as possible. Looking at demographics, community interest, different levels of ability, and what safety means to different groups and individuals will all be important considerations for the Town moving forward with this goal. Investigating ways to promote greater access for Environmental Justice Communities will also be important because, though Abington has none, Brockton has several and shares a border with Abington that has both Ames Nowell State Park and Beaver Brook Conservation Area along it.

Environmental Justice Communities are any communities for whom the any of the following is true: • Annual median household income is equal to or less than 65% of the statewide median.

• 25% or more of the residents identify as a race other than white.

• 25% or more of households have no one over the age of 14 who speaks English fluently.

Environmental Justice Communities are named such because they have historically had significantly less access to the open spaces and natural resources that are so important for health and quality of life and have been pushed into areas with higher levels of pollution (US EPA).

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Griffin’s Dairy

The Hanover Branch Rail Trail

OPPORTUNITIES

Through a process of analysis and public participation, several opportunities for connections between town destinations, as well as destinations outside of town, arose. A few of the biggest opportunities, continued on the next page with a map showing their locations, are as follows:

Griffin’s Dairy and the Hanover Branch Rail Trail Charles Street, which is a residential street, and the short wooded path at its end create an informal connection between the rail trail and Griffin’s Dairy, there is potential to connect them further and more formally by extending the trail in Griffin’s Dairy to meet the end of Charles Street and by adding infrastructure (a sidewalk and/or bike lane) where there currently is none on Charles Street, as well as using signs to direct people between these two destinations. Further investigation into the feasibility of adding infrastructure on Charles Street is needed in addition to community engagement with the residents of that street to get their feedback on this idea.

The High School/ Middle School, Town Offices, Library, and Neighborhoods to the West A town-owned sewer easement between the Town offices and school area at the end of Gliniewicz Way that could become a shared use walking and biking path that would connect it to the neighborhoods in the western side of town. It is already town-owned and is a direct connection between several neighborhoods and the Town and school facilities. Further investigation by the Town is need into whether or not this path would be utilized by students, potentially giving them an alternative to the bus or driving, as well as what the potential environmental impact of such a path would be, considering the surrounding wetlands.

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Ames Nowell State Park and the Surrounding Open Space

There is possibility to better connect the existing trails in Ames Nowell to those in the Beaver Brook Conservation Area as well as to create clear access, via trail heads with signage, to Beaver Brook from Abington (possibly through Town-owned land on Linwood Street or Diane Circle). There are already some trails in Beaver Brook Conservation Area and so the Town may work with Brockton to create access through Town-owned land into the conservation area. An ecological assessment of the impacts of this would be needed first as this area’s primary purpose is conservation.

In addition, if there is enough desire in the town and it isn’t harmful to habitat, there is potential to extend some trails north of Ames Nowell into the currently unprotected area north of Chestnut Street. This could be done utilizing Town owned land and, if possible, trail easements on private properties.

Island Grove, Mt Vernon Cemetery, and Griffin’s Dairy

These three open spaces are very popular and very close together, all within a one mile radius, but it isn’t intuitive or easy to get from one to the other as there is no signage that could direct someone walking or biking and the train tracks, with a fence along much of their length, cut through the area between Griffin’s Dairy and the other two open spaces.

To improve access, the Town may look into signage to direct people from one destination to another as well as looking into what, if any, parts of this route could benefit from added crosswalks, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

The Downtowns

The downtowns are fairly close to each other and to several open spaces. Because the downtowns contain some of the unsafe intersections identified by the community and the most direct route between them is a particularly busy road without bike lanes, is prohibitive to walking or biking from one downtown to the other. Clear and safe connections between the downtowns could help revitalize them by making them a part of an integrated and more accessible network of parks and amenities.

The Claire Saltonstall Bikeway and Brockton Avenue

For those looking to bike longer distances, as well as those on the bikeway looking to detour into Abington, a bike path connecting the bikeway to Abington Center via Brockton Avenue has great potential because Brockton Avenue meets the bikeway already in Brockton and is wide enough to accommodate a bike lane. Further exploration by the Town into the safety of adding a bike lane to this busy, hightraffic road is recommended.

Signage on the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway

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Natural & Cultural Resources Goals Lead by example for surrounding communities in terms of promoting stewardship of ecologically valuable areas and endeavor to protect that land in perpetuity.

Improve park spaces where necessary and expand recreational access to natural areas where access will not negatively impact habitat and other ecological resources.

Increase community connectedness by creating safe walkability and bikeability between open spaces, the downtowns, and the middle/high school and town offices. Understand the transportation needs of all groups within the community and endeavor to make these destinations in town reachable by everyone.

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Recommendations STRATEGY 1 Protect Ecologically Valuable Open Space and Overall “Woodland Feel” of the Community ACTIONS The Town should consider transferring Town-owned properties within BioMap2 priority protection areas that don’t have a level of protection into conservation in perpetuity.

Prioritize the preservation of at least a portion of the area north of Chestnut Street through conservation easements. Work with landowners to try to preserve Abington’s part of the existing corridor that can help to protect the ecological integrity of the area. Where possible, the Town should consider expanding upon its land holdings in this area and protect them in perpetuity.

Protect the BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape within the groundwater recharge area by implementing stricter building requirements than are currently in place, in order to reduce runoff, further minimize impervious surface, and reduce environmental impact. Consider working with landowners to put conservation easements in place to further protect portions of that land and further investigate the potential effects new construction in this area would have on existing habitat and wildlife.

Work with the Conservation Commission and Union Point housing development in Weymouth to assess whether planned commercial development in the northeast corner of Abington will still allow for movement of species and water within that BioMap2 priority protection land. Look for ways to preserve the ecological integrity of the whole swath of BioMap2 habitat as much as possible.

Identify forested areas within Abington that contribute to the overall town feel and “woodland” character that residents have expressed is valuable to them. Assess what the town would look like if these areas were cleared for development to decide what to seek to preserve through Town acquisition.

Consider town-wide tree planting initiatives to further encourage homeowners to plant shade trees or, on larger parcels, to reforest a portion of their properties.

STRATEGY 2 Improve recreation spaces where needed and

acquire or expand upon open space where it is possible and desirable for the community

ACTIONS Work with the Town of Brockton to assess the possibility of expanding existing trails in the Beaver Brook Conservation Area to create access from the Abington side, potentially through already town-owned land such as the Linwood Street Conservation Area and/ or Diane Circle. First assess whether trail expansion and/ or building boardwalks would have an adverse effect on wetlands. Also work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to better connect Beaver Brook Conservation and Ames Nowell State Park through creating more trails. Any new trail heads should have clear signage and the Town should further assess options for parking at the trail heads.

Having identified the importance of Ames Nowell as part of a larger area of BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, use this as a further argument to encourage the DCR to better prioritize maintenance of Ames Nowell. Since Cleveland Pond is in the state park, the DCR is also responsible for handling the impairment caused by invasive species in the pond (discussed in Watershed Protection on page 75) and the Town should follow up on this and make sure action is being taken within a reasonable time frame.

Explore the possibility of expanding trails north of Ames Nowell into the unprotected area north of Chestnut Street via trail easements Natural and Cultural Resources

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and use of current Town-owned land. Study the potential and environmental impacts of adding trails. Investigate the possibility of adding a crosswalk on Chestnut Street to improve pedestrian safety and access as well as a parking area and trail head.

STRATEGY 3 Improve Town Connectivity The following action items are based on analysis and community input. The Town should conduct a more comprehensive and detailed Town Connectivity Plan that identifies problem areas for pedestrian and biker access and safety and present site-specific design solutions.

This process should include more community feedback to further assess needs and identify ways to provide connectivity for the whole community. There are many Massachusetts towns that have produced connectivity plans, such as Bedford and Whately. These plans take into account the specific conditions and needs of their communities but could serve as a useful model for Abington.

ACTIONS Place informational and way-finding signs at important destinations in town, such as Island Grove Park or the end of the Rail Trail, to inform people about the location and amenities of surrounding destinations, as well as inform them about where they are and why that place is important to Abington.

Create a connection via Charles Street and the wooded path at the end of it, between Griffin’s Dairy Farm and the Hannover Rail Trail.

Add signs at the rail trail and Griffin’s Dairy to direct people. Discuss with Charles Street residents the possibility of adding a sidewalk and/or bike lane down Charles Street to accommodate pedestrians and bikers.

Investigate the possibility of creating a multi-use path between the high school/middle school and Town offices at the end of Glineiwicz Way and the neighborhoods to the west via an existing Town-owned sewer easement. Assess the level of safety for those using the path and 66

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make sure would be well lit. Conduct an impact analysis concerning the adjacent wetlands and consider implementing green infrastructure or porous paving to control runoff along the path.

Watershed Protection

4 Watershed Protection

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4

Watershed Protection

The health of a community’s water resources directly affects the health and well-being of its residents. Understanding the major benefits and challenges of Abington’s watersheds, with interconnected elements that extend far beyond the town boundaries, is an important step for Abington residents toward stewarding their own precious water resources and being further connected with their natural landscape. This chapter examines the many ways water moves throughout the town and how it supports quality of life in Abington. It then recommends steps the town can take to protect its watershed over the next ten to twenty years.

Section cover photo (on previous page taken by Amanda Hawes

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Abington’s Major Watersheds 20,000 years ago, a large glacier that was two miles thick in some places, covered the northern hemisphere down to the latitude of present-day New York City (Martin). The movement of this massive glacier over thousands of years shaped the Massachusetts landscape, shifting the topography, contributing to the form it has today. One result of this shaping of the landscape was the formation of drumlins in the southeast of Massachusetts that make up some of the major drainage patterns of the region by directing water into the depressions between them. These drumlins are the source of Abington’s north to south drainage pattern (Abington Planning Board).

South of Abington, the retreating glacier created a large lake, which eventually drained to form the present day Taunton River.

Abington is almost entirely within the watershed that drains into the Taunton River and eventually into Narragansett Bay. Small portions of the town are in two other major watersheds: the South Coastal Watershed and the Boston Harbor Watershed. Abington occupies a unique position being at or near the top of all three of these watersheds because few waterways upstream of the town means reduced chance of flooding and/or runoff pollution from activities in other towns (Old Colony Planning Council).

Major Watersheds

Abington

Taunton River estuary (where it meets the sea) Narragansett Bay General drainage direction

5 Miles

Abington sits at the top of three major watersheds.

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Being upstream of other communities does, however, mean it is incumbent on Abington to properly steward the land in ways that won’t contribute to problems for communities downstream.

87% of Abington is within the Taunton River Watershed, which is the second largest watershed in Massachusetts with an area of 562 square miles. This watershed contains 221 lakes and ponds and 94 square miles of wetlands, including the Hockomock Swamp, twelve miles southwest of Abington, which is the largest wetland in the state (Abington Planning Board).

In 2009, the Taunton River was designated a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service, a distinction given to free-flowing rivers across the United States that possess “outstandingly remarkable values” and are a priority to protect “for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

The watershed contains many ecologically rich and important areas that support hundreds of species of plants and wildlife within 27 habitat types including peat bogs, red maple swamps, floodplain meadows, seepage swamps, and freshwater and brackish marshes. The Taunton River Watershed is home to several endangered

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species including the Atlantic sturgeon, longeared owl, and grasshopper sparrow. Along with its rich array of wildlife, close to 700,000 people live in 38 cities and towns within the watershed, relying on it for everything from drinking water, to recreation, to industry (American Rivers).

The main organization working to protect these valuable resources is the Taunton River Watershed Alliance, a volunteer organization that monitors water quality throughout the region. In 2005, the Taunton River Wild and Scenic Rivers Study, a stewardship plan that identified goals and objectives to guide future efforts to restore and preserve the Taunton River corridor, was published (Taunton River Watershed Alliance).

By monitoring pollution levels in waterways, preserving wetlands that help to regulate stream flow and minimize flooding downstream, and by sustaining ample vegetation to cool and filter runoff before it enters waterways, Abington can contribute to the long-term health of its water bodies and of the larger watershed.

The Taunton river flows underneath this bridge between the towns of Berkley and Dighton, 23 Miles from Abington. Most of the rainwater that falls on Abington eventually ends up in this river which supports a diverse array of wildlife, including endangered species.

Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel

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Surface Water Abington contains six sub-watersheds that drain into local streams and ponds. The following inventory of surface water appears in the 2009 Master Plan.

STREAMS

The town has two main waterways: the Shumatuscacant River flowing southward through the east side of town, and Beaver Brook which forms part of Abington’s border with Brockton to the west. Other smaller streams are tributaries to these two main waterways. Tributaries to Rockland’s French River are in the northeast of town.

The Shumatuscacant is the largest river in Abington. It winds its way down the east side of town behind the Frolio School and Early Childhood Center to Island Grove Pond, where the water is impounded by a 13-foot-tall earthfilled dam. The river continues below Centre Avenue, through a large wetland near the town’s wells, and into the town of Whitman.

Joining the Shumatuscacant River in Whitman is the Stream River, which begins in Abington just east of High Street in Townowned wetlands. It flows northward (the only stream that does so in Abington) for several hundred feet, crossing Ashland and Groveland Streets, where it joins several other small tributaries at the edge of the former town landfill, close to Abington Center.

The other major stream, Beaver Brook, begins in Holbrook and flows south through Cushing, Cleveland, and Hunt’s Ponds into Brockton and Whitman. Protected lands along the brook include Brockton’s Beaver Brook Conservation Area and Ames Nowell State Park in Abington.

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PONDS

Abington has a number of ponds. Three are located along Beaver Brook, the largest being Cleveland Pond at 88 acres within Ames Nowell State Park. It is bordered by woods, a park access point, swamp land, and the ponds bridge control structure. Although swimming is prohibited because of shallow depths and algae, boating and fishing are allowed.

Just north of Cleveland Pond and visible from Chestnut Street is the very scenic, privately-owned 10-acre Cushing Pond with Town-owned land to the north and west but no public pond frontage except for what is along Chestnut Street.

Hunt’s Pond is 6 acres and located off of Mill Street. It is the smallest of the three Beaver Brook ponds and is bordered on its eastern side by protected land.

The Shumatuscacant River has two impounded ponds. The larger and most popular pond in Abington is the Town-owned Island Grove Pond which is 35 acres and located between Washington and Plymouth Streets near Abington Center. Island Grove Pond has an enclosed swimming area fed by well water that flows through the swimming basin into the pond itself. While access to the western side of the pond is limited by residential development, the eastern side is accessible by the Wilson Memorial Bridge. Just upstream from Island Grove Pond is a much smaller pond located in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.

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Surface Water Abington, MA. 2019

Cleveland Pond Watershed Upper Shumatuscacant/Island Grove Pond Watershed French Stream Watershed Beaver Brook Watershed Meadow Brook Watershed Stream River/Lower Shumatuscacant Watershed

data source: MassGIS

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Surface Water Quality The Shumatuscacant River and Island Grove Pond

The Massachusetts Integrated List of Waters is a state-produced report updated every two years and required by the Clean Water Act that lists the condition of water bodies in the state.

It includes a ranking from one to five of water impairment that takes into account the ability to support aquatic life and the designated uses of a particular water body, such as drinking water or swimming. The list of impairment rankings is as follows: 1 Unimpaired and not threatened for all designated uses.

2 Unimpaired for some uses and not assessed for others.

3 Insufficient information to make assessment for any uses.

4 Impaired or threatened for one or more uses, but not requiring the calculation of a TMDL (total maximum daily load).

5 Impaired or threatened for one or more uses and requiring a TMDL (Beaton and Suuberg).

The Shumatuscacant River and Island Grove pond both have an impairment ranking of 5 (which they’ve had since at least the 2008 report) meaning the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for developing a Total Maximum Daily Load for both water bodies. A TMDL is the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a water body before that water body falls below Clean Water Act standards for quality. TMDL reports need to be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. The next step called for by the Integrated List of Waters Report is for the MassDEP to determine a pollution reduction target amount and, if necessary, identify reductions needed from the source of that pollutant (Beaton and Suuberg).

It isn’t abnormal for there to be some pollutants present in water bodies that are abutted by development and other human

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activity. This isn’t necessarily a problem, depending on the pollutant, because if these pollutants stay below a certain level they aren’t considered harmful to wildlife, plants, or humans. A recent study from the University of Minnesota has even found that freshwater systems do filter some excess pollutants as they travel downstream. When issues with pollution arise and a water body requires a TMDL, that means that water quality is degraded. This can have a negative chain reaction that effects all the ecosystem services, human uses and habitats of that water body and potentially of water bodies downstream.

Between the 2008 Integrated List of Waters Report and the 2016 report, both Island Grove Pond and the Shumatuscacant have maintained their impairment score of 5, indicating that there hasn’t been effective enough progress in improving water quality, though the MassDEP did get a TMDL approved for some (but not all) of the pollutants in 2011. The table on the next page lists the pollutants in the Shumatuscacant River and Island Grove Pond as reported by the 2016 report.

Notably, the swimming area in Island Grove Park is well-fed and separated from the rest of the pond and therefore these findings don’t necessarily apply to it.

Pollutants and Disturbances found in the Shumatuscacant and Island Grove Pond, according to the 2016 Integrated List of Waters:

Shumatuscacant • Physical substrate habitat alterations (disruption of soil and sediment layers, possibly erosion) • Fecal Coliform • Oxygen, Dissolved (naturally in water but can be harmful to wildlife if there is too much) • Sedimentation/Siltation Island Grove Pond • Excess Algal Growth • Turbidity (suspended particles that can make water look murky) Both • Non-Native Aquatic Plants (invasive)

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends states establish TMDLs to meet water quality standards within 8 to 13 years of the water being listed as impaired. However, the TMDL process is complex and resource intensive and Congress has recognized that, in many cases, pollution mitigation implemented in just one town or area at a time may not be effective. This is because water quality issues upstream can continue to impair water downstream, regardless of downstream efforts to control pollution (Copeland). In Abington, however, the Shumatuscacant has its headwaters in town and therefore pollution mitigation along this river and in Island Grove Pond has the potential to be very effective as the Town controls the land use around the headwaters and throughout the length of the stream through town and into the wetlands in the south of town. A potential challenge to mitigating pollution in the Shumatuscacant and Island Grove Pond is the fact that the river flows through the most developed parts of Abington, near the downtowns and some major roads.

Beaver Brook, Cushing Pond, and Cleveland Pond

All three of these water bodies are classified as category 4 in the 2016 Integrated Waters Report, meaning they are impaired or threatened for one or more uses, but they do not require the calculation of a TMDL. This means other pollution control requirements and strategies, either state, local, or best practices, are expected to be enough to bring the water quality up to standard. In the case of Beaver Brook, Cushing Pond, and Cleveland Pond, the impairment is the result of the presence of an invasive plant species. Cushing and Cleveland Ponds have maintained their status as category 4 waters since the 2008 Integrated Waters Report while the water quality in Beaver Brook has improved, going from category 5 to 4 (Beaton and Suuberg). The Commonwealth offers a variety of strategies for invasive species management. Since Cushing Pond is privately owned and Cleveland Pond is state-owned, Abington may be required to work with the state and private landowners in managing invasives in both ponds.

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Wetlands Regionally connected through a complex natural drainage and filtration system, Abington’s extensive wetlands make up about 25% of the town’s total land area (Old Colony Planning Council). They contribute invaluably to stream health and drinking water quality and are unique and diverse ecosystems that support a variety of life. As mentioned in the Natural and Cultural Resources section (Pg. 45), wetlands play a major role in climate change mitigation and adaptation through carbon capture and flood storage.

In Abington, there are several types of wetlands but the most common by far are forested wetlands, also known as swamps, where the soils are saturated with water or flooded for at least a portion of the year and the vegetation is adapted to, and often uniquely found in, these conditions. Other types of wetlands in Abington include shrub swamps, marshes, and a small Atlantic white cedar bog. A bog is a wetland that accumulates peat and mosses and where the ground is very soft and muddy and the soils are often very rich (MassGIS).

There are also several Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program certified vernal pools in and around Abington, which are seasonal pools that provide critical breeding habitat for many amphibian and invertebrate species whose life cycles have adapted to these unique intermittent phenomena (About Vernal Pools).

This quantity and variety of wetlands in Abington indicates great potential for effective water filtration and flood storage, which will be increasingly beneficial as precipitation events will likely become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change (Mass.gov). Some wetlands also provide unique opportunities for recreation, the boardwalks in Ames Nowell State Park being a great example of this.

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History of Wetland Management

Today, wetlands are federally protected but until the late 1900s in the U.S., wetlands were seen simply as an impediment to development and the government encouraged draining and filling them for other uses, such as agriculture or the construction of roads and residential development. However, when this management approach led to a 50% reduction in the nation’s wetlands, with serious impacts on waterfowl and fish populations, as well as increased flooding and storm damage, conservation organizations started to take notice and call for regulations in the early 1900s. In 1972, while a number of states and local governments had already adopted wetland permit programs, it was the Clean Water Act that established wetlands protection laws on a federal level (Brief History of Wetland Management in the U.S.).

Wetland science and conservation has progressed greatly since the 1970s but development and illegal disturbance (tree cutting, dumping, filling) are major threats to these resources and effective oversight of development remains a challenge. One of the most effective ways to protect wetlands from illegal disturbance is for the Town and community members to be observant and report potential illegal activity around wetlands.

Wetland Protection in Abington

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that rivers and perennial streams have a 200-foot buffer and wetlands a 100foot buffer. A buffer is a protective barrier between water bodies and human activity, such as development and agriculture. Many older buildings in Massachusetts are built within the buffer zone and are grandfathered in but still subject to certain restrictions. In Abington, there is a complex matrix of wetlands and developed lands and activities generally not permitted (except with special permission and certain circumstances) within buffers include construction, paving, and tree cutting.

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Data source: MassGIS

Drinking Water Supply Abington obtains its municipal drinking water from three sources: groundwater wells at the end of Meyers Avenue in Abington, the Hingham Street Reservoir in Rockland, and Great Sandy Bottom Pond in Pembroke.

The Abington Rockland Joint Water Works manages these water supply sources and their pumping filtration systems. Serving Abington and Rockland as well as a few hundred out-ofdistrict customers in Hingham, Weymouth, and Pembroke, the ARJWW supplies a population of a little over 32,000. The ARJWW is made up of six commissioners, three from Abington and three from Rockland and was established in 1885. The three water sources they manage are located in two watersheds; the groundwater source in Abington is in the Taunton River Watershed and the other two surface water sources are in the South Coastal Watershed (Old Colony Planning Council).

The water distribution system uses a series of pipes, ranging in material and diameter, that total 57 miles. Abington has two water storage systems, a standpipe (a vertical pipe extending from a water supply) on Lincoln Street that holds 1.25 million gallons of water and an elevated tank on Chestnut Street that holds 450,000 gallons of water. Abington’s 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan notes

that there is little capacity for reserve water supplies when demand increases during summertime peak periods (Old Colony Planning Council). With a steadily growing population and increased periods of drought in recent summers, this could present challenges to meet demands in the future.

Abington does have emergency connections to the water supplies of Weymouth, Brockton, Avon, and Whitman and the ARJWW is looking to upgrade infrastructure at the Meyers Avenue facility in Abington to be more efficient at collecting and treating groundwater, increasing the amount the Town is able to glean from that source. ARJWW is looking to apply for a $1.5 million MassWorks Infrastructure Grant to fund construction of a new facility at Myers Avenue. The new plant would have the capacity to deliver an additional 160,000 gallons of water daily to Rockland and Abington. Abington’s Watershed Protection District, which was delineated by the Abington Rockland Joint Water Works, is the area that contains the town’s drinking water wells. This zone is subject to some lower impact building regulations because of the negative impact conventional types of development can have on the groundwater (Old Colony Planning Council).

THE 2016 DROUGHT

“The summer of 2016 will go down as the driest ever recorded in Boston,” wrote Sara-Rose Brenner in a September 2016 article for WBUR news, following months of record-breaking heat and alarmingly little precipitation. This drought had widespread adverse effects on reservoir levels and water availability, resulting in water bans throughout much of the state, including Abington. Abington’s permanently in-place water restrictions were escalated to include banning all outside water use and residents expressed concerns with drinking water quality (Brenner). The past few years have been characterized by increasing short periods of drought followed by periods of heavy rain, making it difficult to predict future patterns. Increasing global temperatures resulting from climate change may indicate a higher risk for droughts in the future, though this may be offset by increased precipitation during other times of the year.

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Watershed Protection

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Stormwater Stormwater pollution is a nationwide problem contributing to the fact that 40% of rivers, lakes, and estuaries in the United States are considered by the federal government to be unfishable and/or unswimmable (EPA 1).

Some studies have shown that with just 10% impervious surface within a watershed, the health of water bodies can begin to decline (See table below.) While Abington is part of three major watersheds, the town also has several smaller watersheds that drain into its water bodies. The watershed that drains into the upper Shumatuscacant River and into Island Grove Pond has an impervious surface cover of 21%, containing portions of both of Abington’s downtown areas and a large portion of the main roadway, Route 18. This amount of impervious surface as well as the likely increase in impervious surface from future development within the watershed indicates a potential threat to water quality. Problems caused by high impervious surface are exacerbated when the stormwater system channels runoff directly into a town’s streams and ponds, as is the case in Abington.

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This relationship between impervious surface and water quality in Abington indicates one of the challenges of revitalizing the downtowns.

Effective stormwater management will need to be integrated into downtown revitalization efforts to offset the impact of current and new development.

In 1987, Congress broadened the Clean Water Act to include regulations on municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), which are storm water systems that are separate from wastewater systems. Abington’s system meets this description and is subject to MS4 permitting requirements including a variety of pollution prevention methods as well as public education and outreach. Since July 1, 2018, more stringent requirements were put in place for all MS4 permitted municipalities, including mandatory road sweeping, catchbasin cleaning, creating a plan to reduce salt use on roads, and water-quality testing. In a conversation with DPW director John Stone, he said that it will be a challenge to meet these requirements with current funding and staffing.

Impervious Surface Pond River or Stream

Impervious Surface Abington, MA. 2019

Cleveland Pond Watershed Upper Shumatuscacant/Island Grove Pond Watershed French Stream Watershed Beaver Brook Watershed Meadow Brook Watershed Stream River/Lower Shumatuscacant Watershed

data source: MassGIS

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Green Infrastructure The challenges facing Abington in terms of stormwater management and potential for runoff pollution are far from unique.

Many urban and suburban communities are addressing the same issues through the use of green infrastructure. Green infrastructure aims to manage water in a way that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle.

This means reducing or offsetting impervious surfaces and slowing, spreading, and sinking stormwater rather that having it hit surfaces and flow directly into the stormwater system.

Luckily, nature is incredibly adept at water management and by taking cues from nature, even densely developed areas can see dramatic improvements in water quality while lowering the risk of flooding and of overwhelming stormwater infrastructure. Green infrastructure is also economical, compared to adding, improving, or replacing current infrastructure (known as “grey infrastructure”), and can be beautiful as well (“What Is Green Infrastructure?”). The following list describes four popular types of green infrastructure with examples on the facing page.

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Bioswales are long depressions that convey water and are vegetated with hardy plants that can tolerate being both inundated and dry.

They are often located along stretches of road or sidewalk or in parking lots.

Rain gardens are similar to bioswales. They are planted depressions with plants that can tolerate wet and dry conditions and tend to be smaller than bioswales, often being used for areas like residences or bordering storm drains.

Green roofs are roofs with a layer of soil or other medium and planted with vegetation that can filter water, either reducing pollutants before directing it into gutters or holding a portion of it until it evaporates. Because of the weight of planted roofs they are normally sited on buildings made of brick, stone, or other strong material that can support them.

Detention ponds hold stormwater for a short amount of time, often around 24 hours, slowly releasing it until the pond empties again. Many urban and suburban areas rely on these ponds to reduce peak runoff rates during heavy storms and prevent overwhelming the stormwater system or decreasing flooding from a deluge (Rain Gardens and Bioswales | Soil Science Society of America).

Bioswale

Rain garden

Green roof

Detention pond

UMass Amherst

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Watershed Protection Goals Improve the health of Abington’s water bodies, with particular attention toward offsetting the impact of development.

Take steps to ensure the continued availability of clean drinking water.

Educate the community on the importance of wetlands and watershed protection.

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Recommendations STRATEGY 1 Protect the upper Shumatuscacant subwatershed ACTIONS Create a network of green infrastructure in the form of bioswales, rain gardens, porous pavement, and green roofs, where suitable, to encourage greater treatment and infiltration of stormwater. Where appropriate, implement green infrastructure in other areas of town as well.

Promote and/or require Low Impact Development throughout the upper Shumatuscacant sub-watershed.

Review general and zoning by-laws to make sure that limitations on the storage or disposal of hazardous materials are in line with best practices recommended by the state.

STRATEGY 2 Protect the lower Shumatuscacant subwatershed ACTIONS Update watershed protection overlay regulations to ensure a maximum 10% impervious surface cover in this sub-basin.

Discourage development within the watershed protection overlay district especially within the floodplain.

Create new green infrastructure, especially in the portions of Abington Center and Route 18 that are within this sub-basin.

Review watershed protection overlay regulations to make sure that restrictions on the storage or disposal of hazardous materials are in line with best practices recommended by the state.

STRATEGY 3 Ensure continued water quality in drinking water supply reservoirs outside of Abington ACTIONS Work with the Towns of Rockland and Pembroke and the Abington Rockland Joint Water Works to ensure watersheds are well-managed.

STRATEGY 4 Educate Abington residents on ways to improve water quality ACTIONS Create informational materials and hold workshops on how residents can catch and infiltrate stormwater in their yards.

Explore ways to incentivize residents to decrease the impervious surface on their properties and/ or implement green infrastructure like rain gardens.

Select a visible parcel of Town-owned land to install some green infrastructure solutions, making the it an educational demonstration space.

STRATEGY 5 Look to the future and assess town needs ACTIONS Conduct a study to assess the future demand on the public drinking water supply as the town population grows.

Identify potential future threats to the water supply, like periods of drought and degradation of stormwater infrastructure as well as increased severity of storms as a result of climate change.

Plan in advance ways the town can respond to these potential challenges.

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Implementation

Implementation

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5

Implementation

The implementation plan is where the community’s vision, supported by a careful process of information gathering and analysis, yields a list of actions the town can take to move toward its goals. The following list of actions and overall strategies are meant to guide the town over the next 10 to 20 years.

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Planning is a dynamic process, and priorities can shift over time. It is recommended that the planning board implement a regular evaluation and follow up procedure for each of these suggested actions to keep the plan on course and to evolve it as necessary when new information or situations present themselves.

Each action is given a responsible party and a time frame for which the planning board should expect the action to be completed.

Responsible parties are abbreviated as follows: PB - Abington Planning Board ConCom - Conservation Commission DPW - Department of Public Works AC - Arts Council BC - Business Council Board - Board of Selectmen CP - Community Preservation GD - Griffin’s Dairy Committee HA - Housing Authority PR - Parks and Recreation ARJWW - Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works W - Water Department Time frames are indicated as follows: Short Term - 1 to 5 years Medium Term - 5 to 10 years Long Term - 10 to 20 years Ongoing - Start ASAP, no definite end date

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Land Use Goals: Guide commercial and residential growth in a manner that minimizes impact on natural resources and recreation opportunities, contributes to the tax base, provides a variety of housing and employment opportunities, and makes efficient use of public services.

Encourage development and redevelopment in the two downtowns of Abington Center and North Abington Center, including attracting businesses that provide desired amenities, mixing uses in existing and new buildings, and concentrating new housing around the downtowns to foster a more vibrant and walkable community.

Strategy 1: Encourage development and redevelopment in and around Abington Center and North Abington Center

Responsible Parties

Time Frame

Action 1.1: Work with residents who live near Abington Center and North Abington Center to determine new zoning regulations that will allow higher density residential, commercial, and mixed-use development and more multifamily housing. Zoning changes can be met with resistance from residents who do not want their neighborhood to change. Undertaking an extensive process of community involvement, discussing the potential pros and cons of the changes, and creating a shared vision offers the best chance that outcomes will please all parties.

PB

Medium Term

PB Action 1.2: Explore the suitability of creating Smart Growth Overlay Districts that extend beyond the current Central Business Districts that will make the town eligible for Commonwealth funding under Chapter 40R for adopting zoning that encourages denser development and more housing options, including affordable housing. Several towns in Massachusetts have used this act to help them on their path to smart growth (CHAPA).

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Short Term

Action 1.3: Encourage infill commercial, residential, and multi-use development along main commercial strips in downtown centers. The larger gaps between structures along these streets are opportunities for new businesses, housing, and other mixed-use development. High priority infill areas should be determined and development should be encouraged there. This can also improve the look of the downtown street and make it feel like a unique place in town.

PB, BC, HA

Ongoing

Action 1.4: Identify “underutilized� and vacant sites in or near downtown centers. Once identified, determine desired redevelopment and seek partners.

PB

Medium Term

Action 1.5: Assess parking availability in the downtown centers and decrease minimum requirements where possible to lessen barriers for new economic development.

PB, Board

Short Term

Action 1.6: Use Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure to limit or offset potentially negative environmental effects of new development.

Ongoing

Strategy 2: Improve appearance and public amenities in North Abington Center and Abington Center Action 2.1: Form a downtown placemaking committee to direct improvements and look into creating a downtown Business Improvement District (BID) to generate funds.

A committee of residents and business owners could convene and envision desired landscape and placemaking improvements. In a Business Improvement District, the business owners make financial contributions that improve the area that they collectively share.

PB, BC

PB Action 2.2: Improve the public spaces in the downtowns, especially along the main corridors, with street trees and other vegetation, gathering spaces, seating, wider sidewalks, and other public amenities where possible. Increasing density is one piece of the puzzle in fostering a more active downtown area, but another key piece is making it a pleasing and comfortable place to be. This can have a great effect on businesses as well by attracting a larger consumer base.

Short Term

Medium Term

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Action 2.3: Improve pedestrian livability in downtowns.

Walkability is not only about providing short distances between points of interest. It’s equally about designing and fostering an enjoyable and safe walking experience.

PB

Medium Term

Action 2.4: Work with the community to determine visual PB preferences and create downtown design guidelines.

Consider developing form-based codes based on these preferences. Form based codes, as the name suggests, focus on regulating the physical form of the built environment instead of the uses contained therein, encouraging a desired look and character for an area.

Medium Term

Action 2.5: Enhance gateway locations. In North Abington Center, the intersection of Adams Street (Route 58) and Route 139, could be improved to provide a more attractive and inviting entrance to the main corridor. In Abington Center, the intersections where Brockton Avenue meets Rockland Avenue and where Route 123 meets Washington Street are locations where landscaping improvements and placemaking features would enhance the experience of entering the downtown district.

PB

Short Term

Action 2.6: Research the feasibility and cost of burying utility wires.

PB

Short Term

Action 2.7: Schedule events in the downtowns. Events both draw people to the downtowns and begin to create a sense of community centered around these districts.

CP

Ongoing

Action 2.8: Create signs and wayfinding from downtown centers to nearby recreation areas. Signs can help orient visitors to these areas and also create a sense of cohesion between points of interest. For example, the close-by rail trail is a great asset for North Abington Center and clear wayfinding to and from it will bolster this connection.

PB, PR

Short Term

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Action 2.9: Apply for community improvement grants such as the “Our Town” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. This grant supports projects that “integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes.”

PB

Short Term, CP

Action 2.10: Enlist the help of the Arts Council to contribute public installation pieces made by Abington residents.

PB, AC

Short Term

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Natural & Cultural Resources: Goals: Lead by example for surrounding communities in terms of promoting stewardship of ecologically valuable areas and endeavor to protect that land in perpetuity.

Improve park spaces where necessary and expand recreational access to natural areas where access will not negatively impact habitat and other ecological resources.

Increase community connectedness by creating safe walkability and bikeability between open spaces, the downtowns, and the middle/high school and town offices. Understand the transportation needs of all groups within the community and endeavor to make these destinations in town reachable by everyone.

Strategy 1: Protect Ecologically Valuable Open Space and Overall “Woodland Feel” of the Community

Responsible Parties

Timeline

Action 1.1: Consider transferring Town-owned properties within BioMap2 priority protection areas that don’t have a level of protection to conservation in perpetuity.

PB, ConCom

Short Term

Action 1.2: Prioritize the preservation of at least a portion of the area north of Chestnut Street through conservation easements. Work with landowners to try to preserve Abington’s part of the existing corridor that can help to protect the ecological integrity of the area. Where possible, the Town should consider expanding upon its land holdings in this area and protect them in perpetuity.

PB, ConCom

Medium Term

PB, ConCom Action 1.3: Protect the BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape within the groundwater recharge area by implementing stricter building requirements than are currently in place, in order to reduce runoff, further minimize impervious surface, and reduce environmental impact. Consider working with landowners to put conservation easements in place to further protect portions of that land and further investigate the potential effects new construction in this area would have on existing habitat and wildlife.

Medium Term

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Action 1.4: Work with the Conservation Commission and Union Point housing development in Weymouth to assess whether planned commercial development in the northeast corner of Abington will still allow for movement of species and water within that BioMap2 priority protection land. Look for ways to preserve the ecological integrity of the whole swath of BioMap2 habitat as much as possible.

PB, ConCom

Medium Term

Action 1.5: Identify forested areas within Abington that contribute to the overall town feel and “woodland� character that residents have expressed is valuable to them. Assess what the town would look like if these areas were cleared for development to decide what to seek to preserve through Town acquisition.

PB, ConCom

Short Term

Action 1.6: Consider town-wide tree planting initiatives to further encourage homeowners to plant shade trees or, on larger parcels, to reforest a portion of their properties.

PB, ConCom, PR

Ongoing

Action 2.1: Work with the Town of Brockton to assess the possibility of expanding existing trails in the Beaver Brook Conservation Area to create access from the Abington side, potentially through already town-owned land such as the Linwood Street Conservation Area and/ or Diane Circle. First assess whether trail expansion and/ or building boardwalks would have an adverse effect on wetlands. Also work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to better connect Beaver Brook Conservation and Ames Nowell State Park through creating more trails. Any new trail heads should have clear signage and the Town should further assess options for parking at the trail heads.

PB, ConCom

Medium Term

Action 2.2: Having identified the importance of Ames Nowell as part of a larger area of BioMap2 Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape, use this as a further argument to encourage the DCR to better prioritize maintenance of Ames Nowell. Since Cleveland Pond is in the state park, the DCR is also responsible for handling the impairment caused by invasive species in the pond (discussed in Watershed Protection on page 73) and the Town should follow up on this and make sure action is being taken within a reasonable time frame.

PB, ConCom, PR

Short Term

Strategy 2: Improve recreation spaces where needed and acquire or expand upon open space where it is possible and desirable for the community

Implementation

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Action 2.3:Explore the possibility of expanding trails north of Ames Nowell into the unprotected area north of Chestnut Street via trail easements and use of current Town-owned land. Study the potential and environmental impacts of adding trails. Investigate the possibility of adding a crosswalk on Chestnut Street to improve pedestrian safety and access as well as a parking area and trail head.

PB, ConCom, PR

Short Term

Action 3.1: Place informational and way-finding signs at important destinations in town, such as Island Grove Park or the end of the Rail Trail, to inform people about the location and amenities of surrounding destinations, as well as inform them about where they are and why that place is important to Abington.

PR

Short Term

Action 3.2: Create a connection, via Charles Street and the wooded path at the end of it, between Griffin’s Dairy Farm and the Hanover Rail Trail. Add signs at the rail trail and Griffin’s Dairy to direct people. Discuss with Charles Street residents the possibility of adding a sidewalk and bike lane down Charles Street to accommodate pedestrians and bikers.

PB, PR

Medium Term

Action 3.2: Investigate the possibility of creating a multi-use path between the high school/middle school and Town offices at the end of Glineiwicz Way and the neighborhoods to the west via an existing Town-owned sewer easement. Assess the level of safety for those using the path and make sure would be well lit. Conduct an impact analysis concerning the adjacent wetlands and consider implementing green infrastructure or porous paving to control runoff along the path.

PB, PR

Short Term

Strategy 3: Improve Town Connectivity

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Abington Master Plan 2019

Watershed Protection Goals: Improve the health of Abington’s water bodies, with particular attention toward offsetting the impact of development.

Take steps to ensure continued availability of clean drinking water.

Educate the community on the importance of wetlands and watershed protection.

Strategy 1: Protect the upper Shumatuscacant subwatershed.

Responsible Parties

Time Frame

Action 1.1: Create a network of green infrastructure in the form of bioswales, rain gardens, porous pavement, and green roofs, where suitable, to encourage greater treatment and infiltration of stormwater.

PB, ConCom, DPW

Long Term

Action 1.2: Promote and/or require Low Impact Development throughout the upper Shumatuscacant sub-watershed to ensure new development has the least negative environmental impact possible.

PB, DPW

Ongoing

PB Action 1.3: Review general and zoning by-laws to make sure that limitations on the storage or disposal of hazardous materials are in line with best practices recommended by the state.

Ongoing

Strategy 2: Protect the lower Shumatuscacant subwatershed.

Action 2.1: Update watershed protection overlay regulations to ensure a maximum 10% impervious surface cover in this sub-basin.

PB

Short Term

Action 2.2: Discourage development within the watershed protection overlay district especially within the floodplain.

PB

Ongoing

Implementation

97

Action 2.3: Create new green infrastructure, especially in the portions of Abington Center and Route 18 that are within this sub-basin.

PB, DPW

Medium Term

Action 2.4: Review watershed protection overlay regulations to make sure that the restrictions to the storage or disposal of hazardous materials are in line with best practices recommended by the state.

PB

Short Term

BS, ARJWW

Ongoing

Action 4.1: Create informational materials and hold workshops on how residents can catch and infiltrate stormwater in their yards.

ConCom, W

Short Term

Action 4.2: Explore ways to incentivize residents to decrease the impervious surface on their properties and/or implement green infrastructure like rain gardens.

PB, DPW

Ongoing

Action 4.3: Select a visible parcel of Town-owned land to install some green infrastructure demonstrations, making it an educational space.

PB, DPW, ConCom, PR

Medium Term

Action 5.1: Conduct a study to assess the future demand on the public drinking water supply as the town population grows.

W

Short Term

Action 5.2: Identify potential future threats to the water supply, like periods of drought and degradation of stormwater infrastructure as well as increased severity of storms as a result of climate change. Plan in advance ways the town can respond to these potential challenges.

PB, W

Ongoing

Strategy 3: Ensure high water quality in drinking water supply reservoirs outside of Abington.

Action 3.1: Work with the Towns of Rockland and Pembroke and the Abington Rockland Joint Water Works to ensure watersheds are well-managed.

Strategy 4: Educate Abington residents on ways to improve water quality.

Strategy 5: Look to the future and assess town needs

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References

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Abington, MA Master Plan 2019

Abington, Massachusetts is a small town situated twenty miles south of Boston and adjacent to the city of Brockton. It is home to several scenic parks, historic buildings, and a close-knit community. Along with many towns in the region, Abington’s population has been growing over the past several decades and that growth is projected to continue. This trend presents opportunities and challenges as the town looks to the future. How does Abington maintain its character while accommodating new residents? How does it protect its natural resources and develop in a way that promotes town connectedness and cohesiveness? Creating a master plan is an opportunity for the community to answer these questions and form a clear vision for its future. To that end, this document contributes three chapters to Abington’s 2019 Master Plan: Land Use, Natural and Cultural Resources, and Watershed Protection.

Amanda Hawes and Eric Giordano

The Conway School is the only institution of its kind in North America. Its focus is sustainable landscape planning and design and its graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Ecological Design degree. Each year, through its accredited, ten-month graduate program, students from diverse backgrounds are immersed in a range of real-world design projects, ranging from sites to cities to regions. Graduates go on to play significant professional roles in various aspects of landscape planning and design.

ABINGTON, MA

Master Plan 2019 Land Use Natural & Cultural Resources Watershed Protection

Amanda Hawes Eric Giordano The Conway School Winter 2019