The Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the NewTV video):
- Appointment of Jane Obbagy to the Economic Development Commission
- Request to amend the City of Newton’s Zoning Map by changing the current zoning of the property known as and numbered 132 Charles Street – see Planning Board recommendation. (6-0-2, Councilors Krintzman and Ryan Abstaining). According to the report, the Mixed Use 1 district requested for the two parcels, which are currently zoned as both manufacturing and multi-residence, would allow for slightly more development than the Manufacturing zone but does not allow for more intensive uses than the Manufacturing zone. Two councilors expressed some concern – one regarding the need since the owner is not looking to do anything different with the site, and another looked for clarification on uses on parcels near the site. Chief of Long Range Planning, Zach LaMel said “The Massachusetts Turnpike, railroad tracks, and the Charles River abut this site, making it relatively isolated.”
- Appointment of Anthony Ciccariello as Commissioner of Inspectional Services
- Reappointment of Kathryn Cade to the Conservation Commission
- Reappointment of Jeffrey Riklin to the Newton Upper Falls Historic District Commission
The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to Hold:
- Discussion and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map regarding village center districts (8-0) Consultants gave a ‘soft site analysis’ presentation of potential development along Madison Avenue in Newtonville.
Councilor Wright and Oliver presented a Unit Calculation Tool (UCT) To comply with the new MBTA law, Newton must have a minimum unit capacity of 8330 units. Using their UCT, the current version 2.0 of the VCOD results in 10,000 units. This does not include lots over 30,000 sf, mixed-use priority streets, areas outside of ½ mile from public transit and less than 5 acres. Councilor Wright stated that with all areas of the VCOD included, the councilor’s tool calculates a unit capacity of 17,920. Deputy Director of Planning stated the UCT does not factor in the mapping component of the MBTA Communities unit capacity calculation. For example, areas zoned VCOD with less than 5 contiguous acres, such as Auburndale village, may not be counted towards MBTA compliance, and that on-site parking requirements reduce unit count.
Amendments submitted by Councilors will have a straw vote. Planning will use votes to craft Version 3 before Sept public hearing.
In Version 2, Parcels under 20,000 sf will be by-right, parcels 20,000 sf -29,999 sf will undergo site plan review conducted by the Planning & Development Board, and parcels over 30,000 sf will need to seek a special permit.
Straw Votes:
- To set the special permit threshold at 20,000 sf voted down 2-6 (Baker and Wright voted in favor)
- To make the special permit threshold for parcels on mixed-use priority streets at 10,000 sf. voted down 2-6 (Baker and Wright voted in favor)
- To require a public hearing for projects undergoing site plan review (8-0)
- Discussion on state guidance for implementing the Housing Choice Bill (8-0)