Massachusetts Institute of Technology
School of Architecture and Planning Personnel Record
Department: Urban Studies and Planning Name: Terry Susan Szold
Date of Birth: April 14, 1960
Citizenship: U.S.
Education:
School Degree Date
Bard College BA, Writing and Literature June, 1980
University of Massachusetts, Master of Regional Planning February, 1983
Amherst
Title of Thesis for Most Advanced Degree:
Toward a New Procedure for Assessing the Economic Impacts of Tourism on Rural Regions
Principal Fields of Interest:
Land use planning; land use regulation and growth management
Name and Rank of Other Departmental Faculty in Same Field:
None
Name and Rank of Faculty in Other Departments in Same Field:
None
Non-MIT Experience:
Employer Position Beginning Ending
City of Nashua, NH Long Range Planner 1983 1986
City of Chicopee, MA Development Manager 1986 1987
Town of Burlington, MA Director of Planning 1988 1994
Community Planning Solutions, Founder and Principal 1994 Present
Andover, MA
History of MIT Appointments:
Rank Beginning Ending
Lecturer (50% time appointment) Sept. 1994 May 2000
Adjunct Associate Professor (50% time appointment) Sept. 2000 May 2009
Adjunct Professor (50% time appointment) Sept. 2009 Present
Consulting Record:
Record of Terry Szold as Principal of Community Planning Solutions,
Andover, Massachusetts, 1994-Present:
Consulting to Municipalities and Public Agencies
Local Partnership Program/Economic Development Initiatives,
Rockport, Salisbury , and Methuen , MA (1994)
Under contract with the Executive Office of Communities and Development (EOCD), and working with local partnership advisory committees, helped to inaugurate the procurement and organization process for the initiation of the economic development planning program in each of the above communities.
Fiscal Impact/Pre-Development Analysis, Westford , MA (1994)
Compared the fiscal impact of a proposed 115-lot subdivision to the potential preservation of the property as open space. Reviewed financing options for the Town in the event of acquisition by the Town.
Growth Management Plan, Rowley , MA (1995)
Made a comprehensive assessment and review of the Town's growth management system, zoning bylaws, and other land use regulations. Major consideration in the plan was given to protection and enhancement of the Town's treasured rural setting and character. Alternative land use scenarios were examined for the Town's commercial and industrial districts. New zoning bylaws and amendments to the Town's subdivision regulations were prepared. A “Growth Management Handbook” was prepared and published for use by all elected boards and Town Meeting.
Fletcher's Pond Estates Subdivision Review, Ayer, MA (1996)
Conducted detailed review of a subdivision plan proposed adjacent to critical wetland resource areas. A comprehensive assessment of plan designs and filings was conducted for the Planning Board.
Zoning Diagnostic, Carlisle , MA (1996)
Performed a detailed analysis and review of the Town's zoning and subdivision regulations to evaluate the degree to which such regulations met Town objectives for the preservation of open space and community character. A technical memorandum with recommendations was submitted to the Planning Board, and major findings were presented to the Board for discussion at a public meeting.
Pilot Planning Program, Maynard , MA (1996)
Prepared community development action plan and downtown revitalization strategies. Assisted the Town with preparation of site development and reuse concepts for various downtown properties, and the identification of civic space enhancements at pivotal locations. Economic development initiatives and regulatory incentives for downtown businesses and properties were also identified.
Consulting to Municipalities and Public Agencies, (continued)
Comprehensive Plan - Phase II Zoning and Regulatory Assessment,
Ayer, MA (1996)
Following the adoption of goals and objectives in Phase I of the Comprehensive Plan, and working with a multidisciplinary consulting team and municipal committee,
assisted the Town with a detailed evaluation of present zoning and regulatory deficiencies and weaknesses. Proposed strategic amendments to enhance the Town's regulatory framework were recommended for consistency with established planning objectives.
Planning and Development Goals and Objectives - Phase I, Master Plan
Georgetown , MA (1996)
Assisted the Master Plan Committee in generating planning and development goals, objectives, and strategies, and provided guidance in determining project initiation steps to begin a Master Plan process. A regulatory and zoning assessment was also conducted in support of accomplishing housing and economic development goals, objectives, and strategies. Facilitated three successful public forums and workshops during the project.
Zoning Revision Program, Georgetown , MA (1997)
Working with Town Officials and the Master Plan Committee, prepared major revisions to the Zoning Bylaw, inclusive of the introduction of new use and density requirements and design standards. A new cluster housing provision and a variety of other long-range planning and growth management program recommendations were prepared. Most amendments proposed were adopted by Town Meeting.
Naval Air Station Reuse Plan and Zoning Controls, South Weymouth , MA (1997)
Working with a multidisciplinary consulting team, the Town of Weymouth, and abutting communities, developed consensus on zoning strategies for this military base closure site. Strategies attempted to balance residential quality of life and environmental issues with community needs for enhancement of the tax base and employment opportunities.
Housing Element, Town of Burlington Master Plan , Burlington , MA (1997)
In conjunction with Connery Associates, assisted the Master Plan Committee in preparation of the Housing Element of the Town's Master Plan. Specific regulatory barriers to creating additional housing diversity were identified, and new proposals to accomplish Master Plan goals were advanced. Non-zoning strategies were also identified; these included new funding sources for an expanded housing program initiative by Town government, and the pursuit of housing opportunities on municipally owned land.
Hanscom Area Towns Master Plan,
Bedford , Concord , Lexington , and Lincoln , MA (1997)
Assisted multi-disciplinary planning team in developing Master Plan recommendations for Hanscom Field and other Massport properties. Assisted in the coordination of major outreach initiatives between the adjoining towns, interest groups, and municipal officials.
Consulting to Municipalities and Public Agencies, (continued)
Boston College v. City of Newton Zoning Litigation,
Chestnut Hill , MA (1997-1998)
Served as an expert witness in legal proceedings to uphold selected density, design, and dimensional requirements in the City’s zoning ordinance that were challenged by Boston College in Massachusetts Land Court. The litigation involved testing the limits of the “Dover Amendment,” and its application to the College’s proposed 500,000 square foot student center project.
Cost of Development Study, Leominster Land Trust
Leominster , MA (1999)
Reviewed and helped prepare an analysis of municipal fiscal consequences related to projected build out under existing and revised zoning scenarios.
Cedar Street Vision Statement and Area Plan, Wellesley , MA (1999)
Strategies for this mixed-use corridor involved building a consensus on a future vision for the area; proposing landscape amenities and related actions to improve pedestrian movement; increasing the perception of neighborhood environments by softening the impact of roadway infrastructure; and, reviewing potential access from the neighborhoods to the Charles River.
Large Impact Home Bylaw, Lincoln , MA (1999)
Assisted citizen committee to prepare and review a zoning provision to address the “mansionization” trend on residential lots and properties subject to teardown pressure. This provision, adopted by the Town, and approved by the Assistant Attorney General, is designed to ensure that site and massing considerations are evaluated prior to construction of large-scale homes.
Route 1 East Zoning and Design Guidelines, Guilford , CT (1999-2000)
Prepared anti-sprawl zoning and design guidelines for a strip commercial corridor located close to the Town’s historic center. Strategies included proposed revisions to zoning density and dimensional requirements and use regulations. Opportunities to enhance the design quality of infrastructure were also identified.
Fenway Special Study Areas Project
Boston Redevelopment Authority, Boston , MA (2000-2001)
Conducted a land use and zoning analysis of the Fenway Special Studies area, including review of the existing IPOD. Recommended zoning changes to meet city and neighborhood objectives and to reinforce design guidelines being prepared by Icon Architecture.
Route 101A Corridor Master Plan, Nashua Regional Planning Commission (2000-2001)
Working in conjunction with VHB, Inc., prepared recommendations and a regulatory diagnostic for the 101A Corridor in Nashua, Amherst, and Merrimack, N.H.
Consulting to Municipalities and Public Agencies , (continued)
Master Plan, Newburyport , MA (2001)
Conducted zoning diagnostic evaluation of the City’s zoning ordinance, and connected emerging land use goals to zoning interventions that will foster Master Plan objectives.
Rate of Development Bylaw, Bolton , MA (2001)
Assisted Long-Range Planning Committee with drafting and review of newly proposed residential building permit limitations.
Zoning Update Project, Brookline , MA (2001 -2002 )
Conducted zoning diagnostic evaluation of the Town’s zoning bylaw, and submitted findings and recommendations to the Zoning Bylaw Commission for review. Reviewed and prepared zoning amendments for adoption at the annual Town Meeting.
Master Plan , Harvard , MA (2001-2002)
Working in conjunction with Community Opportunities Group (COG), Inc., prepared recommendations, a regulatory diagnostic, and future land use recommendations for the new Master Plan.
Clock Tower Square Parkin g Structure Review, Maynard , MA (2001-2002 )
Advised Planning Board on parking structure proposal and urban design consequences related to Clock Tower Site Plan.
Route 101 Corridor Study, Bedford , NH (2001-2002 )
Working in conjunction with the Wallace Floyd Design Group, prepared recommendations, and a regulatory diagnostic for the 101 Corridor in Bedford.
Master Plan, Tewksbury , MA (2002-2003)
Working in conjunction with COG, Inc., prepared future land use recommendations for the new Master Plan and helped facilitate discussion and consensus at public forums related to the plan’s development and approval.
Cluster Housing and Commercial Overlay District Bylaw, Harvard , MA (2003-2004)
Assisted the Master Plan Implementation Committee prepare a new Open Space and Conservation PRD Bylaw and associated commercial district zoning guidelines.
Growth Management Strategies , Guilford , CT (2003-2004)
Working in conjunction with Planimetrics, Inc., prepared elements of a Growth Management Strategies program as a first step in implementing “smart growth” regulatory initiatives. This plan received the “2004 Public Program Award” from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Consulting to Municipalities and Public Agencies , (continued)
Concord-Alewife Plan , Cambridge , MA (2003-2004)
Working with conjunction with Goody Clancy Associates, advised project team principals and City officials on regulatory options related to new district zoning guidelines for the Concord-Alewife study area.
Zoning/Civil Rights Compla int, Freetown , MA (2004)
Served as an expert witness and conducted research related to a discriminatory zoning complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Boston.
Project Review of Cornerstone Square Development, Town of Westford , MA (2006-2007)
Conducted review of 200,000+ square foot “lifestyle center” development at the intersection of Boston Road, Route 110 and Interstate Route 495 in Westford. Major work involved preparation of three alternative plans in response to developer’s submission, to help guide Town’s Planning Board decision on proposed development.
Comprehensive Plan, Town of Westford , MA (2006-2008)
As part of a multi-disciplinary team, worked to prepare a diagnostic evaluation of the Town’s prime commercial district and growth management tools. Participated in public forums to build consensus on Plan recommendations.
Chapter 43D P ermitting P rocess, Town of Burlington , MA (2008 )
Researched and proposed Concept Plan process. Drafted Site Plan waiver amendments for the Town’s Zoning Bylaw and Rules and Regulations.
Master Plan, Town of Clinton , MA (2006-2009 )
Prepared analysis of regulatory tools to enhance the Town’s built environment and image. Special emphasis was upon the Town’s downtown zoning districts; drafted language to establish new overlay districts.
Zoning Matter and Litigation, Westford, MA (2011 – 2013 )
Retained as an expert witness related to a commercial/industrial use challenge (asphalt batch plant) against the Town.
Zoning Matter and Litigation, Acton, MA (2011 – 2014 )
Conducted zoning/planning research was retained and testified as an expert witness related to an educational use/size of development challenge against the Town.
Commercial Land Use Study and Zoning Diagnostic, Cambridge, MA (2014 – 2015)
Special project advisor for consulting team engaged by the City to analyze existing commercial land use types, review zoning classifications and regulations for commercial uses, and recommend alternatives for amendment. Drafted section on the viability of a form-based approach to future commercial land use needs.
Consulting to Private and Non-Profit Institutions
North Attleborough Spot Zoning Complaint,
Hale and Dorr; Sinsheimer and Associates, Boston , MA (1995-1996)
Served as an expert witness and conducted research related to a spot and contract zoning complaint filed in Massachusetts Land Court.
Boston College Master Plan Changes and Project Expansion
Chestnut Hill Association, Newton , MA (1995-1996)
Reviewed Notice of Project Change filing with the MEPA unit of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Boston Redevelopment Authority, related to a major change in the Boston College Campus Center project, a 500,000 square foot student and academic center. Review conducted on behalf of the Chestnut Hill Association, a local neighborhood organization.
Southwest Industrial Park Zoning Analysis, Nordblom Company
Westwood , MA (1996)
Conducted assessment of the impact of new zoning regulations on the Southwest Industrial Park property, and a degree to which these regulations would impact proposed hotel possibilities on the premises.
Comprehensive Permit Review, Sheridan Hills Association
Wellesley , MA (1997)
Reviewed a comprehensive permit development proposed adjacent to the Sheridan Hills neighborhood in Wellesley, MA. Testified before the State Housing Appeals Committee in relation to the impact of density and site concerns associated with the proposed project.
Zoning Issues, Simplex Technologies, Inc. Property, Newington , NH (1997)
Reviewed build out possibilities and potential arguments for variances from zoning regulations associated with the preservation of a historic property and the redevelopment of waterfront property in the Town.
Master Plan, Berklee College of Music, Boston , MA (1998)
Coordinated preparation of an Institutional Master Plan filing with the Boston Redevelopment Authority for a music practice facility in the Allston neighborhood in Boston. Prepared a program to address neighborhood issues and concerns, and reviewed documentation of mitigation commitments to be presented to the city.
Mountain Road Planned Development , Burlington , MA (2000-2001)
Assisted developer in the preparation of zoning provisions to enable a mixed income rental housing development. Addressed neighborhood concerns about project design and density.