Planning Board

CITY of MALDEN PLANNING BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting Meeting Date: May 14, 2025 Meeting Location: Malden City Hall, Herbert L. Jackson City Council Chamber, 215 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA I. Call to Order. Chairman Charles Ioven called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. Ioven announced that under the provisions of the Open Meeting Law, attendees are informed that this meeting is being recorded by Urban Media Arts, formerly known as Malden Access Television, and that he has not been notified that any other video or audio recording of this meeting will occur. II. Roll Call. Ioven chaired the meeting and took a roll call. Planning Board Members in attendance: Antonucci, Kenneth Chuha, Diane Gebreselassie, Tewedaj Gray, Resa Hayes, Patrick Henry, Eric Stone, Stephanie Verma, Vikas Ronnie Raj Ioven, Charles, Chair Planning Staff in attendance: Michelle Romero, City Planner Councilor Steve Winslow, Chair of the City Council Rules & Ordinance Committee, called the Committee to order and took a roll call. City Council Rules & Ordinance Committee Members in attendance: Winslow, Steve, Ward 6 City Councilor, Committee Chair Linehan, Amanda, Ward 3 City Councilor, Committee Vice Chair O’Malley, Ryan, Ward 4 City Councilor Committee members absent: Crowe, Peg, Ward 1 City Councilor; Taylor, Ari, Ward 5 City Councilor ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. PUBLIC HEARINGS. A. Zoning Amendments: Joint Public Hearing with City Council Rules & Ordinance Committee Section 12.32.050.A, Title 12, Code of City of Malden (MCC). The notice of public hearing that provides notice for all five City Council Papers and proposed zoning amendments was read into the record by Chuha. 1. CCP 185/2025. Proposed amendments of Section 12.12.030, MCC (Table of Use Regulations). For Day Care Centers, Non-Profit Schools, and Religious Facilities, amend to indicate allowed by Site Plan Review (SPR) in residential, business and industrial districts, as per Site Plan Review regulations ordained by CCP 356/2024. Ward 6 City Councilor Steve Winslow, sponsor of the paper, presented the zoning amendment proposal. Page 1 of 6 PB 5/14//25  The Board opened the public hearing and received the following public comment: In favor: None. In opposition: None. The Board closed the public hearing. The Board discussed the proposed amendments and deliberated. The Board reviewed the following documentation at the meeting: 1. Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025 with attachments. 2. City Council Paper 185/2025. Decision: The Planning Board recommends to the City Council approval of the proposed amendments as submitted. The decision is described in correspondence dated May 15, 2025 to City Council from Romero (attached). Record of Votes: On the motion by Chuha, seconded by Antonucci, to recommend approval of the amendments as submitted, the vote was nine in favor, none opposed, and the motion passed (9-0): Yes No Absent Abstained (Not voting) Recused ANTONUCCI X CHUHA X GEBRESELASSIE X GRAY X HAYES X HENRY X STONE X VERMA X IOVEN Chair X ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. CCP 171/2025. Proposed amendments of the following Sections of MCC: a) Section 12.08.010 (Establishment of Districts) and Section 12.080.020 (Zoning Map). Change boundaries of zoning subdistrict MBTA Communities Multi-Family Overlay District- Medium Density 1 (MCMOD-MD 1) to remove 474-488 Broadway (City Assessor’s Parcel ID 151 627 770) and to add parcels known by City Assessor’s Parcel ID 185 575 508, 185 575 510 and 185 575 513, and a portion of 0 State Highway (City Assessor’s Parcel ID 185 575 506). b) Section 12.12.400.1.B.6 (Use Regulations, MBTA Communities Zoning Overlays, MBTA Communities Multi-Family Overlay District, Applicability). Delete effective date. c) Section 12.12.400.1.C.3 (Use Regulations, MBTA Communities Zoning Overlays, MBTA Communities Multi-Family Overlay District, MCMOD-MD 1 Subdistrict Development Limitations). Delete in its entirety. d) Section 12.12.400.2.B.5 (Use Regulations, MBTA Communities Zoning Overlays, Mandatory Mixed-Use Overlay District, Applicability). Delete effective date. Ward 6 City Councilor Steve Winslow, sponsor of the paper, presented the zoning amendment proposal. Page 2 of 6 PB 5/14//25 The Board opened the public hearing and received the following public comment: In favor: 1) Mayor Gary Christenson (via memorandum dated April 3, 2025). In opposition: None. The Board closed the public hearing. The Board discussed the proposed amendments and deliberated. The Board reviewed the following documentation at the meeting: 1) Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025 with attachments. 2) City Council Paper 171/2025. Decision: The Planning Board recommends to the City Council approval of the proposed amendments as submitted and use of the date the amendments are ordained for the revised date in the “MBTA Communities Zoning Overlay Districts 12/12/23 Revised ____(date of ordainment- to be determined) MCMOD-MMUD Boundary Map.” The decision is described in correspondence dated May 15, 2025 to City Council from Romero (attached). Record of Votes: On the motion by Antonucci, seconded by Gray, to recommend approval of the amendments as submitted and use of date of ordaining for revised date of boundary map, the vote was nine in favor, none opposed, and the motion passed (9-0): Yes No Absent Abstained (Not voting) Recused ANTONUCCI X CHUHA X GEBRESELASSIE X GRAY X HAYES X HENRY X STONE X VERMA X IOVEN Chair X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. CCP 172/2025. Proposed amendments of the following Sections of MCC: a) Section 12.08.040 (Establishment of Districts, Floodplains). Update panel numbers and date of Middlesex County Flood Insurance Rate Maps; update date of Flood Insurance Study report; add new regulations required by FEMA. b) Section 12.12.110 (Use Regulations, Floodplain Districts). Update notice provisions for Department of Conservation and Recreation. c) Section 12.32.060 (Definitions). Amend existing definition of Development, Floodway, Regulatory Floodway and Structure; add definition for Functionally Dependent Use, Highest Adjacent Grande, Historic Structure, New Construction, Recreational Vehicle, Special Flood Hazard Area, Start of Construction, Substantial Repair of a Foundation, and Violation. Ward 6 City Councilor Steve Winslow, sponsor of the paper, presented the zoning amendment proposal. Page 3 of 6 PB 5/14//25 The Board opened the public hearing and received the following public comment: In favor: None. In opposition: None. The Board received information re: proposed amendments that require notice to property owners and Building Code Appeals from Nelson Miller, Building Commissioner, via verbal testimony. The Board closed the public hearing. The Board discussed the proposed amendments and deliberated. The Board reviewed the following documentation at the meeting: 1. Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025 with attachments. 2. City Council Paper 172/2025. Decision: The Planning Board recommends to the City Council the following: 1) Obtain review and approval of the proposed amendments by the City Solicitor. 2) Obtain review and approval of the proposed amendments by the Building Commissioner. 3) Approval of the proposed amendments, as submitted, subject to the above-referenced review and approval of the City Solicitor and Building Commissioner, and with the following revisions: a. Add the following sentence to the end of all definitions that are the subject of proposed amendments in CCP 172/2025 (§12.32.060): “This definition is only applicable to property in the Flood Plain District.” The decision is described in correspondence dated May 15, 2025 to City Council from Romero (attached). Record of Votes: On the motion by Antonucci, seconded by Chuha, to recommend to the City Council to obtain review and approval of the amendments by the City Solicitor and Building Commissioner; and approval of the proposed amendments as submitted, with the additional provision to definition, the vote was nine in favor, none opposed, and the motion passed (9-0): Yes No Absent Abstained (Not voting) Recused ANTONUCCI X CHUHA X GEBRESELASSIE X GRAY X HAYES X HENRY X STONE X VERMA X IOVEN Chair X --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The proposals in CCP 153/2025 and CCP 186/2025 were discussed together. 4. CCP 153/2025. Proposed amendments of the following Sections of MCC: a) Section 12.12.090.B (Use Regulations, Offsite Off-street Parking Lots). Amend landscaping requirements and prohibit parking in landscaped areas. Page 4 of 6 PB 5/14//25  b) Section 12.20.020.I.5 (General Off-street Parking Requirements). Amend landscaping requirements for yard areas. c) Section 12.20.020.I.12 (General Off-street Parking Requirements). Amend landscaping & paving requirements for residential yard areas. 5. CCP 186/2025. Proposed amendments of the following Sections of MCC: a) Section 12.16.080.C (Usable Open Space Requirements for All Districts). Amend requirements of open space criteria. b) Section 12.20.020.I.12 (General Off-street Parking Requirements). Amend landscaping & paving requirements for residential yard areas. Ward 4 City Councilor Ryan O’Malley, sponsor of both papers, presented both zoning amendment proposals. The Board opened the public hearing and received the following public comment: In favor: None. In opposition: None. The Board received information re: proposed amendments regarding landscaping and pavement from Nelson Miller, Building Commissioner, via verbal testimony. The Board closed the public hearing. The Board discussed the proposed amendments and deliberated. The Board reviewed the following documentation at the meeting: 1) Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025. 2) City Council Paper 153/2025. 3) City Council Paper 186/2025. Decision: The Planning Board recommends to the City Council approval of proposed amendments of Section 12.12.090.B, Use Regulations, Offsite Off-street Parking Lots, and Section 12.20.020.I.5, General Off-street Parking Requirements, as submitted in CCP 153/2025; and disapproval of the amendment of Section 12.20.020.I.12, General Off-street Parking Requirements, as proposed in CCP 153/2025. The decision is described in correspondence dated May 19, 2025 to City Council from Romero (attached). Record of Votes: On the motion by Antonucci, seconded by Henry, to recommend approval of the amendments of Sections 12.12.090.B and 12.12.020.I.5 in CCP 153/2025 and disapproval of the amendments of Section 12.20.020.I.12, as proposed in CCP 153/2025, the vote was seven in favor, two opposed, and the motion passed (7-2): Yes No Absent Abstained (Not voting) Recused ANTONUCCI X CHUHA X GEBRESELASSIE X GRAY X HAYES X HENRY X STONE X Page 5 of 6 PB 5/14//25  VERMA X IOVEN Chair X Decision: The Planning Board recommends to the City Council approval of proposed amendments of Section 12.16.080.C, Usable Open Space Requirements, and Section 12.20.020.I.12, General Off-street Parking Requirements, as submitted CCP 186/2025. The decision is described in correspondence dated May 19, 2025 to City Council from Romero (attached). Record of Votes: On the motion by Antonucci, seconded by Henry, to recommend approval of the amendments of Section 12.16.080.C and Section 12.20.020.I.12, as proposed in CCP 186/2025, the vote was five in favor, four opposed, and the motion passed (5-4): Yes No Absent Abstained (Not voting) Recused ANTONUCCI X CHUHA X GEBRESELASSIE X GRAY X HAYES X HENRY X STONE X VERMA X IOVEN Chair X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The City Council Ordinance Committee adjourned at 9:22 pm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ IV. PUBLIC MEETING. A. Status Updates. 1) Community Preservation Committee. Verma gave an update. 2) Master Planning Activities. The Board received an update via a memorandum dated May 7, 2025 from Ahrehon Thompson, Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development. 3) Open Space & Recreation Plan. The Board received an update via a memorandum dated May 7, 2025 from Ahrehon Thompson, Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development. B. Old & New Business. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V. Next meeting: June 11, 2025. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VI. Adjournment: 9:26 pm (On the motion by Chuha, seconded by Antonucci, all voted in favor and the motion passed, 9-0). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approved: Charles Ioven, Chair Page 6 of 6 PB 5/14//25  City of Malden Massachusetts INSPECTIONAL SERVICES 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781) 397-7000 ext. 2044 May 15, 2025 Malden City Council Malden City Hall 215 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148 Re: Amendments of Title 12.12.030, Code of City of Malden Table of Use Regulations Day Care Centers, Non-profit Educational Facilities, Religious Facilities Site Plan Review for Educational, Religious and Child Care Facilities City Council Paper #185/2025 Dear Councilors: On May 14, 2025, the Planning Board and City Council Ordinance Committee jointly held a public hearing regarding the above-referenced proposed amendments. After the public hearing, on May 14, 2025, a majority of the Planning Board, namely, all nine members present, decided to recommend to the City Council: 1. Approval of the proposed amendments as submitted. For your reference, enclosed please find the Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025, which was presented at the public hearing. Finally, please be advised that if the City Council fails to act on the amendments within 90 days after the public hearing, a new duly advertised public hearing must be held; and the final date for action is August 12, 2025. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, Michelle A. Romero City Planner Enclosure CC: Mayor Gary Christenson Alicia McNeil, City Solicitor  City of Malden Massachusetts INSPECTIONAL SERVICES 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781) 397-7000 ext. 2044 May 15, 2025 Malden City Council Malden City Hall 215 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148 Re: Amendments of §§12.08, 12.12, Title 12, Code of City of Malden Establishment of Districts, Zoning Map, Use Regulations for MBTA Communities Zoning Overlays City Council Paper 171/2025 Dear Councilors: On May 14, 2025, the Planning Board and City Council Ordinance Committee jointly held a public hearing regarding the above-referenced proposed amendments. After the public hearing, on May 14, 2025, a majority of the Planning Board, namely, all nine members present, decided to recommend the following to the City Council: 1. Approval of the proposed amendments, as submitted. 2. Use the date the amendments are ordained for the revised date in the “MBTA Communities Zoning Overlay Districts 12/12/23 Revised __________ MCMOD-MMUD Boundary Map.” For your reference, enclosed please find the Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025, which was presented at the public hearing. Finally, please be advised that if the City Council fails to act on the amendments within 90 days after the public hearing, a new duly advertised public hearing must be held; and the final date for action is August 12, 2025. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, Michelle A. Romero City Planner Enclosure CC: Mayor Gary Christenson Alicia McNeil, City Solicitor  City of Malden Massachusetts INSPECTIONAL SERVICES 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781) 397-7000 ext. 2044 May 15, 2025 Malden City Council Malden City Hall 215 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148 Re: Amendments of §§12.08, 12.12, 12.32 Title 12, Code of City of Malden Floodplains Districts, Use Regulations, Definitions City Council Paper #172/2025 Dear Councilors: On May 14, 2025, the Planning Board and City Council Ordinance Committee jointly held a public hearing regarding the above-referenced proposed amendments. After the public hearing, on May 14, 2025, a majority of the Planning Board, namely, all nine members present, decided to recommend the following to the City Council: I. Obtain review and approval of the proposed amendments by the City Solicitor. II. Obtain review and approval of the proposed amendments by the Building Commissioner. III. Approval of the proposed amendments, as submitted, subject to the above-referenced review and approval of the City Solicitor and Building Commissioner, and with the following revisions: A. Add the following sentence to the end of all definitions that are the subject of proposed amendments in CCP 172/2025 (§12.32.060): “This definition is only applicable to property in the Flood Plain District.” For your reference, enclosed please find the Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025, which was presented at the public hearing. Finally, please be advised that if the City Council fails to act on the amendments within 90 days after the public hearing, a new duly advertised public hearing must be held; and the final date for action is August 12, 2025. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, Michelle A. Romero City Planner Enclosure CC: Mayor Gary Christenson Alicia McNeil, City Solicitor  City of Malden Massachusetts INSPECTIONAL SERVICES 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781) 397-7000 ext. 2044 May 19, 2025 Malden City Council Malden City Hall 215 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148 Re: Amendments of §§12.12.090, 12.20.020, Title 12, Code of City of Malden Offsite Off-street Parking Lots, General Off-street Parking Requirements City Council Paper #153/2025 Dear Councilors: On May 14, 2025, the Planning Board and City Council Ordinance Committee jointly held a public hearing regarding the above-referenced proposed amendments. After the public hearing, on May 14, 2025, a majority of the Planning Board, namely, seven of the nine members present, decided to recommend the following to the City Council: 1. Approval of proposed amendments of Section 12.12.090.B, Use Regulations, Offsite Off-street Parking Lots, as submitted. 2. Approval of proposed amendments of Section 12.20.020.I.5, General Off-street Parking Requirements, as submitted. 3. Disapproval of the proposed amendment of Section 12.20.020.I.12, General Off-street Parking Requirements. For your reference, enclosed please find the Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025, which was presented at the public hearing. Finally, please be advised that if the City Council fails to act on the amendments within 90 days after the public hearing, a new duly advertised public hearing must be held; and the final date for action is August 12, 2025. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, Michelle A. Romero City Planner Enclosure CC: Mayor Gary Christenson Alicia McNeil, City Solicitor  City of Malden Massachusetts INSPECTIONAL SERVICES 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor Malden, Massachusetts 02148 (781) 397-7000 ext. 2044 May 19, 2025 Malden City Council Malden City Hall 215 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148 Re: Amendments of §§12.16.080.C, 12.20.020.I.12, Title 12, Code of City of Malden Usable Open Space Requirements, General Off-street Parking Requirements City Council Paper #186/2025 Dear Councilors: On May 14, 2025, the Planning Board and City Council Ordinance Committee jointly held a public hearing regarding the above-referenced proposed amendments. After the public hearing, on May 14, 2025, a majority of the Planning Board, namely, five of the nine members present, decided to recommend the following to the City Council: 1. Approval of the proposed amendments of Section 12.16.080.C, Usable Open Space Requirements, as submitted in CCP 186/2025. 2. Approval of the following proposed amendments of Section 12.20.020.I.12, General Off-street Parking Requirements, as submitted in CCP 186/2025: No more than 50% of any individual yard area (front yard, combined side yards, and rear yard) of any residential property may be used for parking or may be surfaced with pavement, including, but not limited to, bituminous concrete, masonry or stone blocks, or other overly compacted materials, such as crushed stone or stone dust. For your reference, enclosed please find the Planning Report & Recommendation dated May 14, 2025, which was presented at the public hearing. Finally, please be advised that if the City Council fails to act on the amendments within 90 days after the public hearing, a new duly advertised public hearing must be held; and the final date for action is August 12, 2025. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thank you. Sincerely, Michelle A. Romero City Planner Enclosure CC: Mayor Gary Christenson Alicia McNeil, City Solicitor