The Land Use Committee voted to approve the following (read the report and watch the meeting video):
- Amendment to Special Permit at 55 Tower Road (Northland Pattern District) (7–0; Public Hearing Closed 7–0)
- The committee approved amendments to the special permit for the Northland development at 55 Tower Road, which includes eliminating five buildings, converting Building 1 from office to residential use, increasing the number of residential units by 22 (for a total of 822, including 145 affordable units), and modifying building design and parking. The petitioner proposed reducing the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) investment from $1.5 million to $200,000, but agreed to raise it to $500,000 with a $1 million cap. The committee also discussed shuttle service hours, delivery logistics (including directing services like Amazon and Uber Eats to a designated address), and flexibility in adjusting the TDM plan over time. Residents and councilors expressed both support and concerns, supporting the housing and retail additions and lower traffic generation, while raising questions about Oak Street traffic, parking reductions, and enforcement. Councilors made several recommendations, including accommodations for electric bikes, weekend shuttle service, and earlier filing of building permits. The petition was approved with modified conditions, including strengthened delivery management, affordable unit adjustments, and a longer timeline for utility relocation. Petition Documents Draft Order with Redline Draft Order