The Redevelopment Board on Monday, March 14, held the second in series of hearings about proposed Town Meeting zoning articles. Six were on the agenda. Those drawing the most comment seek to expand business districts and restaurants as well as address parking. All in the four-week series of hearings will be voted April 4.
In brief, Article 40 proposes to expand business districts by rezoning four residential parcels in East Arlington, around Capitol Square, from residential to the B3 Business District. No property owner would be required to changes their properties, but the rezoning would allow for additional uses in the future.
Article 41 proposes to reduce minimum parking requirements for apartment buildings to one space per apartment. Similar to a proposal from 2019, it aims to bring parity to the parking requirements for one-, two- and three-family homes and apartment buildings.
Article 44 would increase the size of a restaurant allowed by right. The planning department says restaurants under 2000 square feet are allowed by right, while ones 2000 square feet and over require a special permit. Offices are treated similarly; smaller ones are allowed by right and larger ones by special permit, but the thresholds are different. James Fleming, the proponent, says special-permit requirement were a deterrent.
For details, read a summary of the meeting by board member Revilak, who provide his notes as a public service.
Watch the ACMi video of the March 14 Redevelopment Board meeting:
March 12, 2022: Zoning proposal to allow 2-families draws stiff opposition
This news summary was published Monday, March 21, 2022.
