Planning Board

Overview

The primary responsibility of the Abington Planning Board under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, Section 81D, as with all cities and towns is to prepare a Comprehensive Master Plan to guide the growth and development of the community. The Town of Abington Master Plan was comprehensively updated in 2009 and again in 2019 with the addition of an economic development supplement. The Planning Board seeks to keep the Master Plan relevant to changes and current conditions through periodic review and updates.

The Planning Board also reviews and votes on applications for new commercial projects and proposed new roadways, reviews proposed development projects and makes decisions on them in accordance with state statutes, local bylaws and regulations. The Board holds public hearings for proposed zoning changes that get presented to Town Meeting.

Approved Plans Relative to Long-Term Planning

YEAR	PLAN	DETAILS
2009	Master Plan Update	Strategies for accomplishing goals for Land Use, Open Space and Recreation, Economic Development, Circulation and Transportation, Housing, Historic and Cultural Resources and Public Facilities
2014	Open Space and Recreation Plan	Updated Open Space and Recreation, Zoning By-Law, and other procedures
2019	Master Plan Update with Economic Development Supplement	Updates land use, outlines goals and strategies for open space, Recreation, and Affordable housing
2019	Housing Production Plan 2019	Framework to increase the production of affordable housing. Includes a comprehensive housing needs assessment and details housing production goals and strategies aimed at meeting these needs over the next five years.
2022	Hazard Mitigation Plan	FEMA grant awarded to include Abington on a multi-jurisdictional HMP facilitated by the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC). The plan serves as a local hazard mitigation roadmap with action recommendations that can be updated and revised to keep the plan current, relevant, and effective.
2024	MBTA Communities	Abington is a commuter rail community that approved MBTA 3A Communities Zoning changes at May 2024 Town Meeting. In September 2024, the State notified the Town of its compliance with the 2021 Law.
2025	Protected Use ADU Bylaw	Part of the Affordable Homes Act. This legislation allows for the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by-right in single-family zoning districts.
2025	Old Colony Planning Council Regional Water Plan	The plan is a long-term strategy to help towns and cities in the Old Colony region protect and manage their water resources. It outlines actions to improve water supply, protect water quality, prepare for uncertainties, and support future growth.
2025	Open Space and Recreation Plan Update	The plan identifies natural and recreational resources within the community and takes inventory of all parcels, features, and resources. The Plan provides community goals and objectives to preserve and enhance resources. (pending State approval)