Planning Commission

2/24/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Amy Houghton; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Brendan Sage City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Katherine “Deac” Decarreau; Ryan Smith; Robert Millar; Daisy Berbeco Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien 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: 4 – 0 Motion by: Joe Second: Brendan V. Continue Discussion on Draft Incentives for Housing Priorities Eric introduced this item and stated that it was a continuation of the discussion from the previous meeting. He requested that the Planning Commission review the information from the draft language regarding incentives for affordable housing and multi-bedroom housing that was not discussed at the last meeting; and then revisit the changes that were drafted based on the Planning Commission’s discussion. Eric began by reviewing the draft text related to incentives that would provide reductions to the minimum required parking for affordable units with multiple bedrooms. He indicated that the section had references to dwellings with two bedrooms, and dwellings with three or more bedrooms. He highlighted the various incentives and the differences between the two options, and how the incentive may be implemented. Following Eric’s review, the Planning Commission discussed the proposed amendments. Specifically, the Planning Commission focused on the provision to incentivize dwellings with two bedrooms and indicated that this provision was less desired compared to dwellings with three or more bedrooms. The Planning Commission also discussed potential impacts from reducing parking and that it may be possible that units with three or more bedrooms may need more parking due to the familial structure of the occupants. This was reinforced by comments  Following Eric’s review, the Planning Commission discussed the proposed amendments. Specifically, the Planning Commission focused on the provision to incentivize dwellings with two bedrooms and indicated that this provision was less desired compared to dwellings with three or more bedrooms. The Planning Commission also discussed potential impacts from reducing parking and that it may be possible that units with three or more bedrooms may need more parking due to the familial structure of the occupants. This was reinforced by comments from Deac regarding the possibility that units with multiple bedrooms would have more people that needed to drive at different times of the day therefore having more vehicles. The Planning Commission discussed various options to incentivize the development of units with multiple bedrooms. Ultimately, the Planning Commission decided that removing the requirement for an additional ½ space for dwellings with three or more bedrooms in non- residential zoning districts would be a good first step. They also discussed the possibility that the minimum parking requirements may be further reduced for projects that included units with three or more bedrooms that were designated as perpetually affordable. Eric indicated that he would prepare new drafts of the regulations to reflect the discussions. Finally, Daisy commented that the Planning Commission should also be considering the discussion from an equity perspective. Specifically, she indicated that there may be inequities by removing parking requirements for affordable units and that it may create a situation where residents that need additional parking would not have access to it in the larger dwelling units. She also commented that removing the requirement for parking associated with affordable dwellings may benefit the developer instead of the occupants of the unit. The Planning Commission agreed that this should be considered as draft language is prepared. With time running short, the Planning Commission agreed to pause the conversation. Eric indicated he would prepare updated drafts based on the conversations and bring those back to the next meeting. He also indicated this would include amendments to Section 4.12 which are the minimum parking standards for all zoning districts. VI. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates on the last Council meeting including the grant program for businesses utilizing $100,000 of ARPA funds; Council set a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed amendments to the Form Based Code that were forwarded from the Planning Commission; she reminded the members of Town Meeting Day next Tuesday and that a budget presentation would be made next Monday; she provided an update on all resident voting; and provided information on City efforts related to the evictions at 300 Main Street. The Mayor also discussed Council’s desire to pause commission meetings in March to provide a break for staff and give an opportunity to reorganize with new councilors being elected. The Planning Commission agreed to do one meeting in March. There were no other City Updates provided. VII. Other Business Eric reminded the Planning Commission that their next meeting would be on March 10 th . Joe asked about the DRB appeal of the Hoogaboom properties. Eric provided an overview of the situation that had transpired and referenced the DRB’s decision. He also provided information to the Planning Commission on where they could find documents related to the project through the Project Review Committee page or the DRB page on the City’s website. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Brendan Second: Sarah Meeting End Time: 8:21 PM Second: Sarah Meeting End Time: 8:21 PM