City Council - Ordinance Committee

Ordinance Committee Minutes June 27, 2023 Members present: Councilor Riley, Councilor Derby, Councilor Peake Members absent: Also in Attendance: The meeting called to order by Councilor Derby at 5:43 pm 1. Public Speak Time: 2. Approval of the meeting notes: Meeting minutes will be approved at the next meeting in a batch. 3. Continuing Business: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance: - Consideration of zoning waivers & change of board review under Sec. 11.13 Councilor Derby gave an overview and consideration for waiving some parking on parcels of land in certain zoning districts. All currently occur in neighborhood businesses. Councilor Peake went on the record to recuse himself from voting on the ordinance because he is helping people purchase one of the properties this zoning amendment would affect. He did provide more clarity on the intent of the amendment. Permit-granting authorities like the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board can waive the parking requirement. This allows businesses to move into vacant storefronts in residential neighborhoods that otherwise would not be able to pass the permitting process due to a lack of parking on parcels that cannot accommodate parking. Not only could this revitalize vacant storefronts, but it also creates more walkability to local restaurants and shops in Easthampton, a sought-after character trait of our community by multiple stakeholders and the public.  A motion was made by Councilor Riley, and Councilor Derby Seconded. Vote: 2-0 APPROVED the proposed amendment be moved to the full City Council and Planning Board. Councilor Peake abstained. 4. Other: Next regular meeting: July 18th at 6:00 PM. Councilor Riley made a motion to adjourn, and Councilor Peake seconded. Vote: 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:03 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Brad Riley Clerk to the Ordinance Committee