The Zoning & Planning Committee approved the following (see report and watch the meeting video):
- Discussion and Possible Amendments to Dormer Regulations (7-0, Councilor Krintzman not voting) Clarifying language to the definition and measurement of dormers in residential buildings by changing the maximum width calculation method to better align with the original intent of the ordinance.
- Amendment to the Opt-In Requirements for Village Center Overlay Districts (7-0, Councilor Krintzman not voting) A minor technical amendment to clarify that any property can opt-in, even non-conforming, to ensure compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.
- Appointment of Charles Eisenberg as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0-2. Councilors Oliver and Wright abstained, Councilor Krintzman not voting)
The Zoning & Planning Committee denied:
- Appointment of Deborah Crossley as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (4-4, Councilors Oliver, Wright, Getz, and Kalis opposed) “Multiple Councilors, both on and off the Committee, spoke highly of Ms. Crossley’s qualifications and how she would be an asset to the Zoning Board of Appeals. A Councilor especially noted the high quality of review that Ms. Crossley put into projects as a member of the Land Use Committee. Other Councilors raised concerns that Ms. Crossley could not exercise balanced judgment on the Zoning Board of Appeals due to her pro-housing advocacy work and citing heated discussions during the development of the VCOD.”
The Zoning & Planning Committee held the following:
- Discussion and Possible Amendments to Retaining Wall Regulations for Family/Commercial/Industrial/Civic Buildings (4-3, Councilors Albright, Danberg, and Kalis opposed, Krintzman not voting) Report to be provided at a later date.
- Request for Discussion and Possible Amendments to Enhance the Preservation of Existing Homes (7-0) Report to be provided at a later date.
- Amendment to Setbacks in MR Zones to Encourage Preservation of Existing Buildings (7-0) Report to be provided at a later date.