The Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the video on NewTV):
- Request to amend Sections 5.1.4, 6.4.29, and 7.8.2 to make on-street dining permanent. NOTE: The Committee held a joint public hearing with the Planning and Development Board and a brief presentation was made by Economic Development Director, John Sisson. Two restaurant owners and the Charles River Chamber of Commerce President testified in support. Both the Committee and the Planning and Development Board voted to support the amendments – see Planning Board’s Recommendation.
- Reappointment of Peter Doeringer to the Planning and Development Board.
- Reappointment of Robert Imperato the Chestnut Hill Historic District Commission.
The Zoning & Planning Committee voted to hold the following:
- Request for review, discussion, and possible ordinance amendments relative to Chapter 30 zoning ordinances pertaining to Mixed Use, Business Districts, and Village Districts relative to the draft Zoning Ordinance.
NOTE: Concern was raised regarding the allowance of presentations to the Committee without these materials submitted to the Committee 48 hours in advance (Article 1. Section 5.C.1 – City Council Rules). The Committee voted 6-2 (Councilors Wright and Baker opposed) to suspend the rules to allow Consultant Tim Love of Utile Architecture & Planning to present with “accurate visuals on what development in the proposed VC3 zones could look like from the perspective of a person on the street.” According to the Report:
“Mr. Love then showed perspective models for each location that depicted first the actual existing structures, then added in potential development of one and multiple buildings that would be allowed in a VC3 zone. These illustrations depicted accurate height allowances and incorporated some of the elements incentivized in the text (like bay windows projecting over the sidewalk that would not count toward footprint) and the design standards that regulate them. (attached) A Councilor later in the discussion sought clarification on how we can ensure these visuals are accurate. Mr. Love noted the extreme attention to accuracy taken in crafting these models, and that models he has reviewed that have been created by residents and/ or commissioned by citizens’ groups were noted to have several inaccuracies. Later in the discussion, the Chair noted that groups interested in producing visuals or other material for public consumption can contact the Planning Department to ensure accuracy with the numerous design standards throughout the code.”