The Zoning & Planning Committee met on February 9, 2026, and held the following. See report and meeting video.
Held
- Request for a pre-budget planning discussion with the Planning Department, Inspectional Services Department, and CPA Program Manager to prepare for FY26 Budget Review (8-0). Acting Director Whewell described the Planning Department’s responsibilities. Currently, there are 3 senior-level vacancies in the department. A “short breakdown of the duties of each division within the Planning Department, followed by number of employees: Current Planning, review of development proposals and creation of (5); Long-Range Planning, provides research and analysis to the Mayor and City Council (3); Historic Preservation, administration of Historic District Commissions and demolition delays (2); Conservation, wetland protection and natural resource management (1); Transportation Planning, the preparation, design, and execution of transportation planning (1); Housing & Community Development, production and preservation of affordable housing, housing rehabilitation (10); and, Community Preservation, administration of the Community Preservation Act and Committee (1). The Planning Department also employs assistants and administrators who support work in several Planning divisions.” Part of the funding for Housing and Community Development staff comes from the Federal government. A Councilor requested the department organize itself to minimize the use of costly consultants.
- Request for discussion and ordinance amendment(s) to dimensional controls, aligning use and zoning for residential developments within Business Use lots (8-0) “Previous City Councils had desired to retain parcels in BU zoning due to potential for higher tax revenue.” The item “would change dimension control tables as opposed to map changes that come with rezoning” due to concerns of residential development taking advantage of BU zoning (dimensional controls). 94 of the 133 residential use parcels in BU zones are in Nonantum.
- Request for periodic updates twice per year on potential projects brought to the Planning Department under the Village Center Overlay District (8-0) The VCOD requirements were reviewed. Thus far, only one new VCOD development (3 units at 21 Harvey Place, Village Center 2 zoning) has reached the Development Review Team. As of February 9, 2026, in Multi-Residence Transit Districts: 1 new affordable unit is under construction, 4 units have been completed, 8 are under construction, and 51 are in the permitting process. In a Village Center 3 district, one development with 35 units at 19 Highland Avenue is beginning the permit process.
Present: Councilors Baker (Chair), Wright (Vice Chair), Gordon, Albright, Oliver, Kalis, Getz, and Dahmubed. Also Present: Councilors Roche, Block, Farrell, and Malakie.
City staff: Katie Whewell, Acting Director of Planning; Nora Massler-Colello, Chief of Long-Range Planning; Jane Santosuosso, Chief Zoning Code Official; Andrew Lee, Senior Assistant City Solicitor.
