City Council - Zoning Committee

City of Chicopee City Council Zoning Committee Approved 8-27-2025 Members George Balakier, Chair Gary Labrie, Vice-Chair Samuel Shumsky Timothy Wagner Susan Goff MINUTES July 30, 2025 The following are the minutes of a public hearing held Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium, 3rd floor, City Hall Annex, 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013 and via Zoom. Members Present: Balakier, Labrie, Shumsky, Wagner (zoom), Goff Also Present: Timothy Reilly (Associate City Solicitor), Lee Pouliot (Planning Director), Lisa Sanders (Health Director), Officer Rondinello (Thomas J O'Connor Animal Control) The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM Item #1 Special Permit application under Chapter 275-53 (B) (14) for the purpose of kennel license for 4 pet French Bulldogs located at 25 Mayflower Ave. Applicant – Brittany Morse, 25 Mayflower Ave., Chicopee, MA 01013 Ms. Morse was present at the meeting. She stated that she is requesting a special permit to have a kennel at her residence. Reports read from the following departments: Health – Approval kennel with a limit of up to 8 dogs barring there are no complaints from the neighbors. T.J. O’Connor Animal Control – Appropriate boxes are checked. Dogs are housed in humane manner. Dogs have access to clean, fresh food and water. Dogs have adequate exercise space. Veterinary and other records are available, yard free of feces, fenced in. Little to no barking during inspection. No complaints on file. Fire – No concerns Planning – Property is zoned Residential B. The keeping of and caring of dogs in excess of three (3) individual animals, defined as an Animal Kennel by 144-1, requires a Kennel License by Special Permit under 275-53 (B)(14). 1  Applicant is looking to care for four (4) pet dogs on the premises and Planning recommends approval of Special Permit provided compliance with ordinances related to the keeping of animals as pets. In addition to the findings of the Health Department. Building – I have a concern of this becoming a public nuisance as discussed in the city ordinances. Engineering – Engineering Department has no comments if no site improvements are proposed Lee Pouliot stated that this was tabled at the last meeting pending an inspection by the Health Department and TJ O’Connor. Lisa Sanders stated that she does not have additional comments. As far as she knows there were no complaints on record. Officer Rondinello stated that the recommendation is for the applicant to get a sign on the property for dog on premises and possible locks on the gate. There was one note of a hole on the interior due to just digging from the dogs just to monitor that it doesn’t get severe. The applicant requested a kennel for 8 dogs but only 4 are in custody as of now but would approve based on the conditions. Public Input Clark Wojtowicz, stated that if she’s going to pay taxes and support the City let her have the kennel. She’s not hurting anyone. Andrea Theriault, 16 Borys Circle, stated that she lives around the corner from the property. The dogs are excellent. Never hears them. Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to close public input. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Councilor Shumsky stated that he has spoken with TJ O’Connor and Lisa Sanders and has heard nothing but positive things. Residents are in complete support of her and he’s in complete support. Councilor Labrie stated that he does not have an issue with 4 dogs. Councilor Shumsky stated that in speaking with the applicant she shows her dogs and she did say that there might be one staying at her house to show for a couple of days. He does not see harm in having the extra dog stay a couple of days. He asked the applicant if she intends to breed in the future. 2  Ms. Morse stated that she is asking for up to 8 dogs because of the rotation with the show dog. She is not going to be breeding for last least 2 years. Councilor Shumsky asked Attorney Reilly if the kennel license must be for the number stated on the application or does it have to be for a specific number that the Council sets as a special permit condition. Attorney Reilly stated that the meeting notice stated 4 dogs. Ms. Morse stated that when she completed the application, she was told to ask for the number of dogs that she has in her home. Officer Rondinello stated “technically a dog needs to be licensed if they're staying in the city for more than 30 days. If she has a dog coming and going for a showing for a weekend, we were saying she should apply for the higher amount of the kennel license so that is included. So she's not looking like she's sneaking in dogs. So she asked for the four at the time when she sent out the application, but when we went out to inspect with Lisa, she was asking for the eight, technically it is 10 and under as the next step. So she was asked for just eight in case dogs are coming for just a brief stay. Technically they don't need to be licensed but if she has a kennel license for a higher amount those dogs will fall under that kennel.” Lee Pouliot recommended the committee consider what was requested on the application. Then the applicant can request a modification if the full Council grants the special permit to increase it to eight. That way the Council is consistent with what the permit application says now. Condition Permit to run with the applicant Motion made by Councilor Shumsky and seconded by Councilor Balakier to approve. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Item #2 Special Permit application under Chapter 275-52 (B) (13) for the purpose of a dog kennel license for our nine Yorkies to comply with the MA law of having 4 or more in our home and yard located at 55 Paul Ave. Applicant – Antonieta Wilson Mathieson, 55 Paul Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Wilson and Antonieta Mathieson were present at the meeting. Mr. Mathieson stated that they would like to be compliant with the law and need a kennel license. 3 Councilor Balakier asked if they have 9 Yorkies. Mr. Mathieson replied yes. Reports read from the following departments: Health – Dogs appear to be in good health, home very clean, yard clean and free of animal feces. Have had complaints from neighbor directly behind the property. Complaints are related to noise and that owner is running a dog daycare. T.J. O’Connor Animal Control – Dogs are housed in a humane manner. Dogs have access to clean fresh food and water. Dogs have adequate exercise space. Veterinary and other records (2 expired rabies). Home clean (uses diapers for the dogs), each dog has their own food bowl, yard is fenced in, yard free of dog feces. Engineering – Engineering department has no comments if no site improvements are proposed. Planning – Property is zoned Residential A. The keeping of and caring of dogs in excess of three individual animals, defined as an Animal Kennel by 144-1, requires a Kennel License by Special Permit under 275-52(B)(13). Applicant is looking to care for nine pet dogs on the premises and Planning recommends approval of the Special Permit provided compliance with ordinances related to the keeping of animals as pets. In addition to the findings of the Health Department. Fire – The Fire Department recommends creating an emergency response plan due to the large number of animals. Lee Pouliot stated that he understands that the applicants already have these dogs and were notified when applying for new tags that the kennel license was required. From his perspective, they are doing their due diligence to come into compliance with the city’s regulations. Lisa Sanders stated that she inspected the property on July 18. The dogs are very well cared for. There is enough room for all the dogs. Her yard is immaculate. Her only issue is the complaint from the person who lives behind her. Officer Rondinello stated that she inspected the property with Lisa Sanders. Animal Control received a complaint in April of 2024 about barking dogs and possible doggy daycare. At the time no barks were heard, nobody was able to make contact. They did a follow-up with Lisa Sanders in September 2024, investigating illegal kennel. Owner stated that there are only 5 dogs on the property. When walking in the backyard the officer noted a sign that says “love, kisses, cuddles, spa, and daycare on the fence.” The owner stated that she pet sits for family and friends only. The applicant was informed that to register two more of the dogs since only three were licensed and that the owner needs a kennel license due to being over the limit. It was noted with the City Clerk that 6 dogs were individually licensed. On May 29, 2025 due to still non-compliance, the City of Chicopee sent a cease and desist for operating the illegal kennel for the 5 dogs that were noted and due to the unlicensed commercial kennel and boarding of friends’ dogs sometimes when the owner was aware of the kennel license requirement. On July 18th they went out at the request of the Board of Health for the preliminary inspection as the owner was requesting a kennel license for her now 8 dogs. It was noted that 2 dogs at the time had expired rabies vaccines. So those were not compliant with City ordinance and she asked for 9 dogs 4  but at the time only 8 were in custody. It appears that there’s a lot of younger dogs that were newly acquired from last year to this year. Councilor Balakier asked if Officer Rondinello informed the owner of the expired rabies certificates. She replied that they are expecting proof tonight that this has been taken care of. Public Input Tokyo Baldwin, 52 McCarthy Avenue, stated that she has lived there for 3 years now. When she moved in the applicant had 4 dogs. She was told by a neighbor that there was a lot of barking and there might be a kennel. She Googled to see if it was a kennel because it could have been useful to her. Then she realized that she wasn’t licensed. After that the applicant offered to watch the dog and she refused because she knew that she was not licensed. It has been nothing but harassment since then. The applicant weaponized all her dogs against her family. Dogs constantly bark; peanut shells are found on her property. She has video of things coming over the fence but not able to do anything as far as the police are concerned. Sometimes there are 12 dogs. Today there were 9. Strongly opposes the kennel license. Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to close public input. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Councilor Labrie stated that never in the past has a kennel license been granted if there is neighbor opposition. He would not want to be in a neighborhood with barking dogs, unable to enjoy the yard. This is a tight neighborhood. Councilor Shumsky stated one of the things that bothers him is the sign that was on the fence of the property at the time of inspection assuming that she was running a dog daycare. Councilor Goff stated that the sign that Lisa saw in the backyard it alarming; perhaps running a daycare. She has a right to her dogs but people have a right to enjoy their homes. Councilor Balakier stated that this is a tight property and there are few things happening at this property according to TJ O’Connor. Mr. Mathieson stated that regarding Ms. Baldwin there are constant issues. They have been falsely accused of. His wife is retired from the military. He works on a military base and they would take dogs for people for the day. 5  Mrs. Mathieson stated that she cares for her elderly mother. The two dogs that have not been vaccinated expired in February of this year. She didn’t realize until TJ O’Connor came to the property. She immediately made phone calls and she has an appointment but they could not fit her in until Friday. Regarding the barking, she called the police twice this morning because she taunts her dogs. These are false accusations. Lisa Sanders came out with TJ O’Connor officers and both said there were no findings. They have no trespass orders on her because she has come to the house accusing them of not just peanut shells over the fence but dead birds with their heads cut off. There’s a lady next to them that feeds the wildlife and that’s where the peanut shells come from. Councilor Goff asked if a license is required to run a dog daycare. Lisa Sanders replied yes and the applicant does not have one. Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to deny. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Reasons for denial Neighbors are not in favor Non conformance of the plan/proposal to zoning ordinances and other applicable requirements of Chicopee City Code. Potential for creating a nuisance due to noise or visually offensive structures and accessories. The proposal is not in general harmony with the purposes and intent of Zoning ordinances Councilor Balakier informed the applicant that there is an appeal process. The applicant stated that this neighbor has done nothing but cause problems. Lisa Sanders has come unannounced to do inspection there is no barking. Only one neighbor is causing problems. Item #3 Zone Change application from Residential A to Residential B for 22,034 SF of property located at 100 Beaumont Ave for the purpose of construction of two single family residence. Applicant - Andrew Crane, 44 Sandtrap Way, Chicopee, MA 01020. Andrew Crane was present at the meeting. He presented the committee a proposed layout showing the houses as they would fit on the lot, a picture of the proposed house. He continued that a good size home will fit on the property. This meets all the setback requirements. He also presented a petition of abutters who are in favor of the zone change request. 6  Councilor Labrie stated that now that he sees the proposed layout he is more comfortable. This is in line with the neighborhood. Councilor Shumsky stated that there are seven homes on the 50-foot requirement. A few years ago there was something similar approved by the Planning Board. Councilor Balakier read the Planning Board recommendation. The Planning Board met on June 5, 2025 and voted 1 in favor and 3 opposed. Lee Pouliot stated that while generally supportive and understanding that this proposal is very consistent with the proposal at the top of Beaumont. The difference between 3 years ago and today is the accessory dwelling unit law that was passed by the State Legislature. The Board members that voted to deny felt that by right the applicant and owner could construct a second single family house and two accessory dwelling units and no zone change would be needed and no relief from frontage or area through a variance for the third lot. Councilor Balakier asked if anyone from the public either in the Auditorium or on zoom wish to speak on this item. Hearing none. Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to close public input. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Motion made by Councilor Shumsky and seconded by Councilor Balakier to approve. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Item #4 Zone Change application from Business A to Residential B for .7775 acres of property located at 11 St. Anthony St for the purpose of allowing for the most appropriate use of the existing structures by aligning with the zoning 7 code’s definition of “Hospital.” This change will support the provision of essential health and recovery services for the community. Applicant – John Murphy, 16 Bay Rd., Hamilton, MA 01982. John Murphy was present at the meeting. He stated “this would allow us to reuse and repurpose both structures which are in fairly good shape. At this point in time we've owned them for all of 2025. And really at the end of the day if we want to do anything with these buildings and repurpose them, we would like it to be the health and recovery services. There is a very lengthy process to that not only the special permit process with the City but we have state regulations applications a bunch of things to go through.” A zone change is needed before the process can even begin. The zone change allows the buildings to be repurposed into something else as well, whether it's residential, other types of healthcare services, other businesses. The property is surrounded by this zone. He believes repurposing these buildings is the only financial way to do it. Councilor Balakier read the Planning Board recommendation. The Planning Board met on June 5, 2025 and voted 3 in favor and 1 opposed to the zone change request. Lee Pouliot stated “I would like to provide a little bit of information regarding the zoning code and why this request is even before you tonight. These services that the applicant is looking to provide require overnight, longer-term care. So this is not like going to your primary care doctor for your physical once a year. Our zoning code definition of a hospital is as follows. An institution licensed by the state devoted to inpatient care where medical and or surgical care is dispensed on a 24-hour basis. The only definition within our zoning code that aligns with the proposed reuse of these properties. One would expect that a zoning code would allow these facilities in business and commercial districts. Chicopee’s Zoning Code does not. The only districts in which we allow hospitals are residential A, B, and C districts, and they are not by right. They are by special permit only. We do not allow hospitals in any business zones, any commercial zones, or any industrial zones. If you look at historic land use in the city, the property that is now the MHA headquarters on Memorial Drive, previously known to many as the Mass Mutual Conference Center, was originally built as a hospital. It was permitted under residential A zoning with a special permit from the city council. The only way to permit a hospital in the City of Chicopee is via a special permit. That's the land use component. The request to go to residential B is simply because the entire block of parcels that these subject parcels are located on are zoned residential B. So from a land use perspective, we wouldn't want to go residential A or residential C because they would be spot zones. I know from the planning board's hearing on this, there was a lot of input from the neighborhood.” Lee read into the record some of the priorities that are in the City’s comprehensive plan with regards to health and wellness. This plan was adopted by the Planning Board in 2023 and endorsed by the City Council as a guiding policy document for the City. From the introduction he highlighted “To make sure that all residents in Chicopee are living their healthiest lives, the City needs a public health and social services network that is accessible, flexible, and far-reaching so it can equitably meet as many needs as possible.” He continued that based on the community survey and all the engagement activities that the planning consultant administered during the planning process, one of the top priorities that came out of that feedback was to support and expand services and education to prevent substance abuse and treat those with substance abuse disorders. Many residents are particularly concerned about opioid abuse. The Fire Department has noted a rise in the opioid crisis and they consider it a drain on their resources.” 8 Lee continued “An increasingly pressing and difficult issue that Chicopee and many of its surrounding communities have had to reckon with over the past decade is high rates of substance abuse and opioid use disorders. Tackling addiction cannot be done by one group in Chicopee. With meaningful collaboration from City departments, local nonprofits and organizations, neighboring cities and towns, and regional groups, there is hope for creating a better future for the Chicopee community that is struggling with or directly affected by addiction. This is a long-term problem, often tied to mental health issues that can have reverberating impacts on addicts and their families, especially children. It is very important for everyone in Chicopee to recognize that opioid abuse is an issue that spans class, race and income. It is not a problem isolated among lower income residents of Chicopee Center, Chicopee Falls, and Willimansett. Anecdotal evidence from local healthcare providers and Chicopee emergency response calls suggest that opioid addiction is an issue throughout the city, even among middle classes of chickpeas more suburban neighborhoods. It is important the city local nonprofits, addiction service providers, and all residents of Chicopee- continue to take substance abuse and opioid use seriously and seek approaches that are compassionate and understanding for all individuals and families involved. We go on to speak about the need for treatment facilities and the linkages between addiction and substance abuse with other underlying issues such as mental health. If I could change the zone faster so that a requirement like this could be done away with, I would. But this Council knows that we are preparing to embark on a long-term zoning rewrite as funded through capital appropriations. We expect that that's going to take two to three years. Nobody in this room can claim to be ignorant of this problem. We all have family members, friends ... Who have been impacted by this epidemic across the country. You have a guiding policy document adopted by both the Planning Board and the City Council. And tonight presented before you is just a first step in supporting the goals and objectives of that plan and the potential to bring services to the city where they are needed. I will remind the Council and the community the granting of the zone change is only step one. If the zone change is granted, the applicant does need to apply for a special permit. They will need to provide this body with far more information on their proposal and their operations, their security, their structure, their employment, how this facility operates, how they operate facilities in other communities, what the licensing process looks like with the Commonwealth. And because special permits are discretionary upon the City Council, you will have the opportunity to consider conditions before deciding whether or not to move forward. But this first step is simply aligning the zone change to allow the applicant to invest the time and resources to create a special permit application so that you can collectively and holistically review the proposal. “ Councilor Courchesne stated that this zone change will allow the applicant to apply for a special permit which would give the Council a lot of control. He continued that his background is in this field. This is needed but he will ultimately do what his constituents want because they did not vote him in for his personal feelings. They voted for him to take care of them. He requested that the applicant have a neighborhood meeting outside of this forum for an open discussion so that the applicant can dispel stigma that may come from this. It’s a tough place for this type of system facility being in such a residential neighborhood with all the bus stops. Public Input Sherri Desmarais, 16 Boylston Street, stated that she does not live in this area, but is an addict in recovery. Having beds available is the best thing that we can do to fight this crisis. Having a facility that they can go to that could help save their life is what is needed. If it wasn’t for a 12-step program and a detox program and other program that kept her for 9 months she wouldn’t be here. Lillian Gagnon, 102 Artisan Street, stated that she is opposed to this zone change. She feels that the facility could be used for housing for the elderly. She is a caretaker for her parents because they had nowhere to go. 9 What scares her about this proposal is that it’s open 24 hours per day. The patients can leave and come and go as they please. She loves this neighborhood. There are lots of children and bus stops. Donald Lamothe, 164 Meadow Street, stated that he doesn’t feel it should be a rehab facility. This is a very tight knit neighborhood. There are bus stops right in front of that building. Why does ward 7 always get what’s leftover. Why not put it where the truck stop is going or where the dealership was going? Jim Orwat, 25 St. Anthony Street, stated that he has lived in Willimansett for 70 years. His family are the ones that built Willimansett East as a gift to the City, to Willimansett to have a nursing home to care for our elderly. He stated that there are other facilities that help those with drug problems. He is a clinical social worker in private practice and is aware that there is a need but not in Willimansett. He feels that Willimansett is the dumping ground. He stated that he gave the Planning Board a petition with 190 signatures against this request. Why can’t this project be assisted living. Joel Henderson, 24 St. Anthony Street, stated this company proposing this project is not a community-based company. They are not there as a non-profit trying to support a community. They are a business for profit. The crowd gathered in the Auditorium is retirement age that have worked hard to own their homes. They paid their mortgages and their property taxes. This company wants to drop a drug and rehab facility in their neighborhood. He has people he knows that are in rehab and when you visit them there are people on drugs leaning over on the side of buildings. The neighborhoods are ruined. These buildings could be used for a number of other things that could benefit the community. Property values will plumet. Rosalie Connelly, 24 Charpentier Blvd., stated that her property directly abuts the St. Anthony building. The second and third floor people can look down into her backyard. It’s disturbing. She wants people to have a place to go that have a problem but this is a safety concern. Clark Wojtowicz, 295 Chicopee Street, stated that he is against this. He believes it should be turned into maybe a veteran’s home. Ken Cotton, 548 through 564 Chicopee Street, stated that he and his wife own a bar restaurant about 50 feet from this building. He is concerned that people from the facility will be hanging around his business. Theresa Peterson, 94 Shepherd Street, stated that she is opposed. This is not a technical adjustment. It’s a major shift that could significantly impact her neighborhood. It sets a precedent that zoning can be changed to fit a project rather than ensuring the project fits the zoning. Statistics show that property values decrease when treatment facilities are nearby. That’s a real concern for homeowners. Chicopee home values are already 50% lower than the Massachusetts state average and 34% lower than the county median. She stated that introducing a facility that may increase loitering and the presence of persons engaged in illegal behaviors is not compatible with the neighborhood’s character. Treatment is important but this is not the right location. Robert Dion, 105 Norman Street, stated that he cared for his elderly wheelchair bound mother-in-law. He would wheel her around the neighborhood. He stated that we need to do more for our veterans. Shane Brooks, 6 Grandview Street, stated that he is a Board member of the Public Health Institute of Western Mass and he is Vice Present of the Gandara Mental Health Center in Springfield. Will this be private pay for 10  profit or a non-profit entity. If this goes to the special permit process there are things to protect the integrity of the neighborhood. Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to close public input. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Councilor Balakier stated that one of the abutters mentioned that a petition against the proposal was submitted to the Planning Board. He also stated that he reached out to the Assessors Office in case this facility gets put on the tax roll. The estimated tax revenue that would be coming for FY 2025 is estimated at $360,307.47. Councilor Balakier asked the applicant if the facility would be for profit or non-profit. John Murphy stated that it will be a MassHealth based facility and those would be the main patients they would treat. Councilor Labrie asked if there would be people outside that would be either using drugs or high on them or looking for drugs. Would it be a program that once you are in you are in until you are sober or can the person come and go as they please? Dr. Amy Fitzpatrick, Board Certified Addiction doctor, stated that this would be facility where patients are able to leave. She stated that she works at a rehab center currently, where patients that want to leave are dropped off at the local hospital. There are protocols and security in place that a person just doesn’t walk out. The patients are not locked in. There is a checkout process. They provide transportation and there is a safe discharge protocol. Councilor Goff stated that there are different types of hospitalization. Inpatient intensive outpatient intensive and there are patients that reside there. Dr. Fitzpatrick stated that they are not an outpatient facility. She also stated that they provide medication for opioid disorder, alcohol use disorder or all substance use disorders. They will not be a methadone clinic. Councilor Shumsky asked if this will be a locked facility. Dr. Fitzpatrick stated that there are protocols. If a patient was admitted for treatment and they decided they wanted to leave before the doctor felt they were ready for discharge there are protocols in place. There are front desk people that check patients in and a person needs a badge to badge in and out of the building. Lee Pouliot stated that when the Council grants a Zone Change it’s for a by-right use and the Council is determining if that use is consistent with the neighborhood. In this case, this just allows the land use component to allow the applicant to apply for a special permit which is discretionary. 11  Councilor Labrie stated let’s say that the committee votes for the zone change to Residential B and then the applicant applies for a Special Permit and then the applicant decides that they want to do assisted living. Then the applicant would need to apply for another zone change for the assisted living because that’s allowed under Res C. Lee Pouliot stated that is correct. He continued that of course there is a risk here. Special Permits are discretionary and they can be conditioned. The Council could grant the zone change from a land use perspective, it makes the blocks consistent all Residential B, but it is likely that the primary uses in Residential B that are allowed by right, single family and duplexes are what these buildings would become if the Special Permit did not pass. The only way the applicant can even attempt the Special Permit is to have the appropriate zoning in place to allow them to do so. Councilor Shumsky stated that the first person that spoke at public input, Sharon, made some valid points. We all know someone that’s suffering with addiction. We can’t be ignorant of that fact. He continued that he also sees the point of the residents and the concerns and questions raised tonight. Councilor Goff stated that she doesn’t feel comfortable granting a zone change for something that doesn’t fit in the neighborhood where you didn’t have to worry about safety or property values. She continued that maybe it should be turned into elderly housing so it frees up the single-family homes for people to buy to bring more residents. Councilor Wagner stated that he has mixed feelings on this application. This is putting the horse before the cart when talking about a zone change for a project that the Council doesn’t even know what it looks like. No plans have been presented. He would like to hear the applicant out on what the project is moving forward. He doesn’t see the need to deny this at this stage when the Council could be hearing somebody out for something that could be of benefit to the community. He stated the substance abuse problem in Chicopee is bad. Chicopee is leading the most opioid deaths in Western Mass. He would like to hear the applicant out. He will be voting yes. He also stated that he has the benefit of being able to say this because he is not going to be here for very much longer. He believes that as a Council and as a City stuck in certain ways and traditions and for the most part, he thinks that’s fine. But he believes that the Council has a habit too often of saying no to good things before they are heard. Motion made by Councilor Wagner and seconded by Councilor Balakier to approve Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner (zoom) X Goff X Motion passed. Item #5 12  Zone Change application from Business A to Residential B for .284 acres of property located at 0 Chicopee St (Parce ID 0500-000051) for the purpose of allowing for the most appropriate use of the existing structures by aligning with the zoning code’s definition of “Hospital.” This change will support the provision of essential health and recovery services for the community. Applicant – John Murphy, 16 Bay Rd., Hamilton, MA 01982. Committee took a 2-minute recess. Meeting called back to order. Councilor Wagner left at 9:20 PM. John Murphy was present at the meeting. He stated that this property is a parking lot and it will remain a parking lot. Councilor Balakier read the Planning Board recommendation. The Planning Board met on June 5, 2025 and voted 3 in favor and 1 opposed to the zone change request. Lee Pouliot stated that this is a parking lot associated with the buildings. This would make all the zoning consistent and then the parking would be part of the special permit process to be accessory to the primary use. Councilor Balakier asked if anyone wishes to speak on this item from the public either in the Auditorium or on zoom. Hearing none. Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to close public input. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner X Goff X Motion passed. Motion made by Councilor Shumsky and seconded by Councilor Balakier to approve. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner X Goff X 13  Motion failed. Item #6 Zone Change application from Business A to Residential B for .9926 acres of property located at 546 Chicopee St. for the purpose of allowing for the most appropriate use of the existing structures by aligning with the zoning code’s definition of “Hospital.” This change will support the provision of essential health and recovery services for the community. Applicant – John Murphy, 16 Bay Rd., Hamilton, MA 01982. John Murphy was present at the meeting. He stated that the request is made to repurpose and reuse the building as a health recovery center. Councilor Balakier read the Planning Board recommendation. The Planning Board met on June 5, 2025 and voted 3 in favor and 1 opposed to the zone change request. Public Input Teresa Peterson, 94 Sheperd Street, stated that if approved this zone change would permanently alter the fabric of the neighborhood. Chicopee has long been a City that values community stability, public safety and smart development. She stated that this proposal threatens all three. This may or may not align with the City’s Master Plan. Zoning exists for a reason to create predictability and protect residents from incompatible land uses. Once the City starts granting exceptions a slippery slope that weakens the integrity of the planning system is weakened. Creates potential impacts to safety and property values. She stated that Chicopee will bend its rules for private gain but at the expense of public good. Motion made by Councilor Shumsky and seconded by Councilor Balakier to close public input. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner X Goff X Motion passed. Motion made by Councilor Shumsky and seconded by Councilor Balakier to approve. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner X Goff X 14  Motion failed. Item #7 Minutes – June 25, 2025 Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to approve. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner X Goff X Motion passed. Item #8 Adjournment Motion made by Councilor Labrie and seconded by Councilor Balakier to adjourn at 9:45 PM. Roll Call: Councilor Yes No Absent Abstained Out of Chair Balakier X Labrie X Shumsky X Wagner X Goff X Motion passed. 15