Planning Commission

9/23/2021 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Amy Houghton; Joe Perron; Sarah Van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray; Brendan Sage City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Amber Walsh Call to Order by: Abby Bleything Meeting Start Time: 6:32 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 5 – 0 Motion by: Tommie Second: Sarah Motion to approve minutes as presented. V. Recap/Debrief on Discussion of Housing Affordability and Land Use Policy Eric indicated that he wanted to allow the members of the Planning Commission time to discuss and debrief on the information that was presented at the previous meeting related to housing affordability and costs. He noted that the information would be used to inform future discussions related to housing, and could result in amendments to various sections of the land use regulations. Furthermore, he stated that he wanted to discuss any takeaways from the Planning Commission and explore any concerns or thoughts that may be important in future follow-ups. Tommie noted that one of the primary themes emerging from the discussion was that reforms to parking could have the greatest impact on housing affordability. She also noted concern for impacts to adjacent neighborhoods if the parking requirements were reduced. This sentiment was echoed by other members of the Planning Commission. Abby referenced a resident-only parking program in Massachusetts that limited the availability of resident-only parking that restricted new multi-unit buildings from having access to the on-street spaces. Eric indicated that the City currently has a limited resident-only parking program and stated that this could be expanded to other streets or areas of the City as well. Joe inquired about the City’s interest in expanding the resident-only parking program. Eric noted  was echoed by other members of the Planning Commission. Abby referenced a resident-only parking program in Massachusetts that limited the availability of resident-only parking that restricted new multi-unit buildings from having access to the on-street spaces. Eric indicated that the City currently has a limited resident-only parking program and stated that this could be expanded to other streets or areas of the City as well. Joe inquired about the City’s interest in expanding the resident-only parking program. Eric noted that this would be a policy decision and that a process was in place to expand the program. He indicated the bigger issue may be with resources to enforce an expanded resident parking program. Joe noted that the Planning Commission may not be opposed to reductions in required parking if measures were taken to protect adjacent neighborhoods. The Planning Commission discussed the costs associated with developing parking versus the resources to enforce parking. Sarah questioned if such programs would shift the burden and cost from the developer to the City. Eric provided information on the need to couple various programs together such as expanding metered parking, increasing metered rates, and similar techniques to offset the potential costs associated with parking programs. Amy indicated that there may also be more interest in reducing parking if there were real measures taken to provide alternative transportation options. She referenced items such as bike lanes, transit stops, or similar measures to off-set the need for parking. The Planning Commission agreed with this notion and supported the concepts. Tommie provided a perspective that maybe the gateways would remain as single bedroom and studio units, and that the City should explore options to expand housing in other areas of the City. She offered the option of possible incentives to add bedrooms or other improvements to existing units in other areas of the City. The Planning Commission provided additional insights on the information that was presented at the previous meeting. Eric indicated that parking would be topic for future discussions. He thanked the Planning Commission for their time discussing this information. VI. Review of Form Based Code Amendments: Part 1 - 4 Eric introduced the documents provided in agenda and indicated that this was a continuation of the review for these sections of the Form Based Code. He indicated that additional edits were made to reflect discussions from the last meeting. Additionally, he noted that this latest draft included the definitions section since several new terms were being added for consideration. The Planning Commission agreed to review the areas that were changed rather than go through page by page. Eric highlighted the changes and provided insights on why the language was changed or amended. Specific areas he focused on were related to the neighborhood manners setbacks, the common drives, and standards for street walls. The Planning Commission discussed the changes and provided feedback on additional clarifications or changes to include. With time running short, the Planning Commission agreed to have Eric prepare the statutory report for review at the next meeting. At that time the Planning Commission would review the definitions and any other components of the document. Following this review, the Planning Commission would consider setting a public hearing on the draft changes. Eric thanked the Planning Commission for their comments and agreed to bring back the statutory report at their next meeting. VII. City Updates Eric provided an update on the Advisory Committee meeting for the parking inventory, analysis, and management plan. Mayor Lott provided an update on the City Manger search process. She indicated that public comments were being accepted for consideration by Council and that a special meeting was being held on September 27 th to consider action on the hiring process.  Eric provided an update on the Advisory Committee meeting for the parking inventory, analysis, and management plan. Mayor Lott provided an update on the City Manger search process. She indicated that public comments were being accepted for consideration by Council and that a special meeting was being held on September 27 th to consider action on the hiring process. VIII. Other Business Eric requested the Planning Commission consider changing the date of their next meeting from October 14th to October 7th. He indicated there were 5 Thursdays in September so there would still be two weeks until the next meeting, but he and Abby would be at a conference on the 14th. All were generally in agreement with the proposed change. Eric indicated he would follow up for confirmation. Joe asked about the status of the Main & Mansion project. Eric provided an update. Joe also asked about any movement by the City related to the St. Stephen’s property. Mayor Lott indicated there were no updates since the last meeting. IX. Adjourn Motion by: Amy Second: Tommie Meeting End Time: 8:11 PM