Sustainable Arlington

The Plan covers Arlington's many open space and recreational resources as well as plans to protect and maintain them as the Town changes and develops.

Note: Section 4: Environmental Inventory Analysis, Sec. G. Environmental Challenges, and Map 4-3. Water Resources, Wetlands, and Floodplains.

Details of the Reservoir Master Plan; ADA upgrades; current and recently-completed projects at Robbins Farm Park and Magnolia Park.

WHAT YOU CAN -- AND CAN'T -- RECYCLE: detailed list. Recycling & Trash pickup calendar; news updates; composting; and pop-up Recycling Center one Sat./month. 

Arlington voters approved adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in November 2014 with the Act to begin funding in FY2016. The Town of Arlington began collecting surcharge revenue on the August 3, 2015 tax bills and will continue collection on a quarterly basis. 

The act will raise an estimated $1.4 million in funding annually via a tax surcharge and state funds that are designated for major public investments in open space and outdoor recreational facilities, affordable housing, and historic preservation.

Conservation Commissioners work to ensure that all construction and development projects (residential, municipal, and commercial) that may alter any wetlands, floodplains, rivers, streams, ponds and/or lakes are in permitted compliance with state and local wetland regulations. The Conservation Commission also protects and manages the Town’s Conservation Lands.  Public meetings 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.

Includes:  Recyling, Trash & Composting;  Highway;  Engineering;  Parks & Fields;  Trees;  Water & Sewer;  and more.

Arlington High School has received many top honors for its educational program.  However, the facilities limit the ability to deliver a 21st century education:

• Current building cannot accommodate anticipated enrollment
• >30% of classrooms are inadequate, including science labs
• School received ‘Warning’ accreditation status from NEASC
• Building infrastructure has a critical need for modernization

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has invited Arlington High School into their program to rebuild or renovate the building.  Learn more about why this project is important.  https://ahsbuilding.org/ lists upcoming events.

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Freedom’s Way Heritage Association.   June, 2006.  Rev. Feb. 2007.

Arlington's Local Heritage Landscape Participants:

Roger Barnaby, Barbara Cutler, Richard Duffy, Elsie Fiore, Joey Glushko, Jane Howard, Gordon Jamieson, Elizabeth Karpati, Ann LeRoyer, Jim Marzilli, Kevin O’Brien, JoAnn Robinson, Clarissa Rowe, Nathaniel Stevens, David Stoff, Rita Walsh, FWHA Laura Wiener, Howard Winkler, John Worden.

Arlington currently has 18,000 public trees which are cared for by the Natural Resources Division.  On this page are some helpful links about Arlington's tree population and what to do if you suspect a Town tree is diseased or damaged, recommended trees for planting, and other tree related information.

If you would like to request a street tree to be planted on your property you can do so by submitting a Tree Request via the Request/Answer Center (registration required).

For builders, please note Article 16 Tree Protection & Preservation Bylaw to see if you need a tree plan.

The DPW also works with the Arlington Tree Committee.

Senior Planner Nat Strosberg is a member of the Vision 2020 Standing Committee; Planning Director Jennifer Raitt is a member of the Vision 2020 Advisory Committee. updated Nov. 2016.

Officeial Town Website