Land Use Committee
Virtual
Agenda — 16 items
- 1 (Posted online: 11/15/24 at 11:15 AM) Original (Posted online: 11/19/24 at 11:40 AM) Revised (Posted online: 11/20/24 at 9:30 AM) Revised (Posted online: 12/03/24 at 10:20 AM) Revised
- 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cvS0G2tSSR2F3FsejD-rvw Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.
- 3 This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Davis at 6:32pm and adjourned at 8:27pm with a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Wilson, Pineda Neufeld, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin, Davis), none opposed, and none absent. Others present: Amelia Aboff – Vice Chair of Planning Board, Nicholas Antanavica – Director of Inspectional Services Department, Michael Capuano – Chair of Planning Board, Andrew Graminiski –Planner with Planning, Preservation, and Zoning at OSPCD, Jahan Habib – Clerk of Planning Board, Michael McNeley – Member of Planning Board, Brad Rawson – Director of Mobility Division at OSPCD, Lynn Richards – Member of Planning Board, Neha Singh – Intergovernmental Affairs, Sarah White – Senior Planner with Planning, Preservation, and Zoning at OSPCD, Natasha Frazier – Assistant Clerk of Committees.
- 4 Roll Call
- 1. Public Hearings
- 1.1. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 2.1 and 11.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to improve the regulation of bicycle parking.
- 1.2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Section 3.2.6 Building Types of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the building types permitted in the Neighborhood Residence (NR) zoning district to also be permitted in the Urban Residence (UR) zoning district.
- 2. Requesting ordainment of an amendment to Sections 1.1.4, 2.1.1, 3.1.18, 3.2.17, 4.1.15, 4.2.15, 4.3.15, 4.4.16, 5.1.17, 6.1.13, 6.2.15, 6.3.13, 6.4.16, 7.2.9, 7.3.9, 8.2.4.c, 9.2.3, 9.2.6, 11.2.4, 11.2.5, 11.2.6, 11.3, 12.1.7, 15.2.1, and Table 9.1.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to address various parking requirements.
- 3. Charles DeCecca requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning district of 501 Mystic Valley Parkway from Neighborhood Residence (NR) to Urban Residence (UR).
- 4. That the Director of Engineering appear before the Committee on Land Use to discuss how required electrical equipment can modify the plans for already-approved new developments, such as at 379 Somerville Avenue.
- 5. That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development update this Council on the possibility of receiving additional federal financing for transit-oriented development through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA 49) initiative and the potential eligibility of projects in Somerville.
- 6. That the Director of Planning, Preservation, and Zoning work with this Council to determine how to remove legislative barriers to increasing accessible housing, particularly when residents wish to add accessible features to their home.
- 7. That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning collaborate with this Council on updating the Zoning Ordinance to require all new construction to place electrical transformers below ground.
- 8. That the Director of Planning, Preservation and Zoning reconsider the policy of allowing lot splits and mergers as administrative approvals rather than special permits.
- 15 Referenced Documents: • Land Use - 2024-12-5 OSE Memo (with 24-1312) • Land Use - 2024-12-5 TIFIA 49 Memo (with 24-0909) • Land Use - 2024-12-5 Communities Catalyst Fund Memo (with 24-1480) • Land Use - 2024-12-5 Memo 2024 11 21 PB Recommendations (with 24-1197, 24-1367)
- 9. That the Administration explore opportunities to utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Catalyst Fund to spur new housing acquisition or production, particularly in the Winter Hill, Gilman Square, and East Somerville neighborhoods.