LAND USE COMMITTEE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007

COUNCIL CHAMBER

Convened: 5:32 p.m.

Adjourned: 6:30 p.m.

 

Present were:      Chairperson Councilor Barbara G. Haller

                             Councilor Paul P. Clancy, Jr.

                             Councilor Michael C. Perotto

                             Councilor Gary Rosen

                             Councilor Frederick C. Rushton

                             Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes

 

Also:                     Director of Planning Joel Fontane

                             Deputy Director EONS Dennis Hennessy

                             Director of Housing Scott Hayman

                             Director of Economic Development Timothy McGourthy

                             City Assessor Robert J. Allard, Jr.

                             City Clerk David J. Rushford, clerk

 

Also:           Zoning Board of Appeals members Matthew Armendo and David George, Planning Board members John Shea and Nicholas X. Parella, Ad Hoc Zoning Review Committee members Todd Rodman, Stephen Madaus, Marie Angelini Donald Mancini and Frank Zitomersky

 

HEARING ITEM – ZONE CHANGE

 

1.       Report of the Planning Board Upon the Petition of Michael Lussier, President of the Webster First Credit Union, request to amend to City of Worcester Zoning Map from RS-7 and ML-0.5 zones to BL-1 zone in the area of 275 Greenwood Street.

          #16c CC November 14, 2006

          In Committee December 19, 2006 – Hearing Recessed

Recommend Accept the Recommendation of the Planning Board and Approve the petition as amended (see attached revised proposed site plan)

 

Zoning Ordinance Book

 

The Chairperson addressed the various members of Boards and Commissions concerning the new Zoning Ordinance that is in the final stage of being adopted by City Council. She asked specifically that the Ad Hoc Committee report back to City Council within 2-3 months any opinions concerning further amendments to the Ordinance that would keep it current and useful as a document that looks forward, and not backwards. She asked that they first address citywide issues concerning parking. Other issues to be considered are: signage, including motion signage, the greening-up of the city, wind power locations, design standards, special permit issues, satellite dishes and overlay districts.

 

Speakers:   Paul Rinkus, Shrewsbury resident

                   Jonathan Finkelstein, 11 Berwick Lane, Worcester

 

2.       Report of the Planning Board Upon the Communication of the City Manager relative to Proposed Zoning Ordinance.

          #27 CC May 3, 2005

In Committee November 21, 2005 – Held

In Committee December 5, 2006 – Held

In Committee December 7, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 19, 2006 – Held

Recommend File

 

3.       Communication of the City Manager relative to the recommendation not to adopt the proposed Zoning Ordinance.

          #17A CM May 3, 2005

          In Committee July 12, 2005 – Held

In Committee November 21, 2005 – Held

          In Committee December 5, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 7, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 19, 2006 – Held

Recommend File

 

4.       Communication of the City Manager relative to the June 14, 2005 Omnibus Zoning Ordinance Amendment petition.

          #24 CC June 28, 2005

In Committee November 21, 2005 – Held

          In Committee December 5, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 7, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 19, 2006 – Held

Recommend File

 

5.       Communication of the City Manager transmitting informational communication relative to the Planning Board’s June 14, 2005 Omnibus Zoning Ordinance Amendment.

          #10A CM November 22, 2005

          In Committee December 5, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 7, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 19, 2006 – Held

Recommend File

 

COMMUNICATIONS OF THE CITY MANAGER

 

6.       Relative to Properties Owned by Social Service Agencies.

          #4B CM March 1, 2005

Recommend Hold

 

7.       Relative to Zoning Plan for Green Island (Union Station to Kelley Square)

          #17A CM June 29, 2004

In Committee September 20, 2004 – Held

Recommend Hold

 

8.       Relative to Adaptive Reuse Overlay District – Green Island (Union Station to Kelley Square).

          #17H CM August 17, 2004

In Committee September 20, 2004 – Held

Recommend Hold

 

9.       Relative to Green Island Zoning Alternatives Report Revision.

          #17C CM September 7, 2004

In Committee September 20, 2004 – Held

Recommend Hold

 

10.     Relative to Policy – sale of City owned property.

          #15A CM September 28, 2004

          In Committee July 12, 2005 – Held

Recommend Hold

 

11.     Relative to the reissuance of request for proposals (RFP’s) for ten (10) City-owned Tax Title properties.

          #17B CM November 16, 2004

          In Committee July 12, 2005 – Held

Recommend Hold

 

12.     Relative to the timelines for conducting hearings on proposed zoning ordinance amendments referred to the Land Use Committee.

          #15A CM March 8, 2005

          In Committee July 12, 2005 – Held

          In Committee December 5, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 7, 2006 – Held

          In Committee December 19, 2006 – Held

Recommend File

 

Miscellaneous

 

13.     Order – Councillor Clancy – Request City Manager report within one month on recommending an ordinance regarding sustainable and energy efficient zoning and building regulations.

          #43b CC December 13, 2005

          In Committee February 8, 2006 – Held

Recommend Hold