MansionizationLexington's Experience

Mansionization In 1987, TM inserted a requirement for increased

setbacks for houses greater than 2,500 SF– Setbacks set in 1953, when new houses ~ 1,200 – 1,800 SF– By 1987, new homes were ~ 3,000 – 4,000 SF– In 2008, new homes exceeded 7,000 SF– 2010 average for Northeast 2,613 SF (Census Bureau)

1992, Town staff starts tracking teardowns 1994, PB develops, but pulls “Jumbo House” Bylaw 1997, PB publishes New, Larger Houses in Existing

Neighborhoods 2002, PB’s “House Impact Review” Bylaw defeated

Single-Family Development

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012

Net New Teardowns

Conflict & Resentment Character (Scale & Aesthetics) Diminished Economic Diversity Loss of affordable housing Anti-development

Potential Positive Effects Increased property values Encourages and increases viability of

further development Increases consumer purchasing power

at local businesses

Invisible to MGL 40B denominator

Unclear Effects Reduction of suburban sprawl

elsewhere in the region Increased/decreased incentive to

invest in existing housing stock Costs/changes to local services Population increased/decreased Increased/decreased diversity

Conclusion Fiscally beneficial Driven by high property values Related to our proximity to build out

– This magnifies character issues, because it’s happening in developed areas

Town Meeting has been ambivalent, but Stirs up enough interest to keep it on a

slow boil– Focus now turning to Residential FARs