Exit 4: The Next Step

Last week’s vote on Exit 4 zoning in Randolph was gratifying in its demonstration that people do care about town issues. Having 900 people—30% of the checklist—turnout for a single-issue vote is virtually unheard of.

Selectboard Chair Larry Townsend was exactly right this week when he told The Herald that the size of the vote—and the overwhelming margin of “Yes” votes—make it clear that the people of Randolph think the new zoning, which is already in effect, is worth a try. If there had been a smaller turnout, or a smaller margin, opponents might feel justified in calling for a re-vote. Such a tactic is now unlikely, however.

That doesn’t mean, Townsend cautioned, that the selectboard and planning commission can’t still agree to “tweak it a little bit.” There are some technical issues that might still be addressed, and if the planning board and selectboard could agree on these “tweakings,” they might pass muster without undue difficulty.

However, the two boards should not try to pass a new ordinance that differs in really important ways from the one just approved by a vote of 650 to 252. If they do, another special vote could easily be petitioned, and nobody wants that.

Townsend did say this week that the decisive vote means, in his mind, that the possibility of adding standalone retail at Exit 4 is now off the table. In our view, that’s where it belongs.

The next order of business is an important one—appointing Randolph’s first-ever Design Review Commission. This is the public body that will be charged with judging whether proposed projects meet the design criteria outlined in the new zoning ordinance. Those appointments will be made by the selectboard, and Townsend said his board would consult with the planning commission to discuss the qualifications that would be appropriate. Interestingly, not all the commission members need be from Randolph, leaving room for some outside experts qualified in architectural and site design. Three of the five members must be Randolph residents, however.

Zoning Administrator Mardee Sanchez, who did a superlative job last week in explaining the ordinance to a large crowd at the informational hearing, said she is about to advertise the need for Design Review positions. We hope the process can be quick and smooth.