The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to Approve the following reappointments (see Report and watch the meeting Video):
- Jason Korb to the Newton Affordable Housing Trust (6-0, Councilor Krintzman not voting)
- Debora Jackson to the Economic Development Commission (6-0, Councilor Krintzman not voting)
The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to Hold the following:
- Discussion and possible amendments to change how building height is measured (4-0-3, Councilors Oliver, Wright, and Baker Abstained). A public hearing was held, in which one person spoke in favor, six spoke in opposition. The opponents expressed concerns about unforeseen consequences and the need to do further analysis. “Multiple Councilors and members of the Planning & Development Board requested more examples from the Planning Department along with a couple of examples of working through the formula for building height.”
- Discussion on a Building Emission and Reduction Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) (6-0, Councilor Krintzman not voting). A public hearing was held, in which 15 people plus the Citizen’s Commission on Energy spoke in favor of the ordinance and the Charles River Regional Chamber business association and two commercial property owners spoke in opposition. Item was held, possibly until a September meeting, to allow the Director of Sustainability time to reply to questions and concerns from the business community about the ordinance.
- Discussion and possible ordinance amendments relative to aiding small businesses impacted by development (6-0, Councilor Krintzman not voting). Held due to late hour, will be discussed at the next meeting.