A draft zoning bylaw that would allow a movie studio complex to be built on a portion of a 1,000-acre parcel of town-owned land off Route 25 is ready for review and discussion.

By TAMARA RACE
The Patriot Ledger

Adraft zoning bylaw that would allow a movie studio complex to be built on a portion of 1,000 acres of town-owned land off Route 25 is ready for review and discussion.

Town Planning Director Lee Hartmann wrote the bylaw with help from Plymouth Rock Studio officials and town counsel.

Planning board members will hold an additional weekly meeting to review the document prior to making a recommendation for the June 9 special town meeting.

The bylaw would require a two-thirds vote of town meeting for approval, and developers would need a special permit from the planning board.

The bylaw divides the proposed studio project into four areas with different allowed uses in each.

Studio production uses, outdoor filming uses (back lot), commercial recreation (theater uses), production equipment rental and support uses, and hotels and day spas would be allowed in the movie and entertainment production studio complex.

Rental units for artists, limited to 150, convenience and retail stores of less than 25,000 square feet, restaurants, offices and medical clinics would be allowed in the studio village, which would be limited to 100,000 square feet of store space. A private academy - kindergarten through post-graduate, plus continuing education - and housing for 200 students would be allowed in the educational complex, along with day care and nursery sites and other accessory uses for educational facilities.

Walking trails, bike paths, benches and picnic tables would be allowed in permanently protected open spaces.

Ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and other sports uses would be allowed in active recreational areas along with public bathrooms and concession stands.

Most building heights would be limited to 45 feet. The exceptions are production studios (90 feet) and hotels (75 feet).

Planning board member Loring Tripp thinks the bylaw is a good star

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“I’m certain the issues and concerns can be met with minor adjustments,” Tripp said.

Selectmen will meet with planning board members on Tuesday to discuss the document. The planning board will hold a public hearing at 7:15 p.m. April 28 at town hall.

A copy of the draft will be posted on the town’s Web site, www.plymouth-ma.gov, and the document can be obtained at the planning office in town hall.