Council continues review of zoning amendment that would add council as special-permit authority for large projects

Councilors discussed proposed amendments to the Framingham zoning code drafted by the city solicitor that would add the City Council as a special-permit granting authority for certain large development types, including mixed-use complexes, assisted-living facilities, neighborhood cluster and open-space cluster developments with a total gross floor area of 75,000 square feet or more.

Director of Economic and Community Development Saki Sakezian was present to provide background information; the solicitor had prepared draft language requested earlier by the council. Several councilors said the item deserved more time and prominent placement on a future agenda so the body could consider the implications. Because the matter is subject to a 65-day review window and the council has already held initial hearings, members agreed to continue the item and place it near the top of the Oct. 20 agenda; the council also discussed the possibility of a special meeting Oct. 22 if needed to complete the hearing before the statutory deadline.

Councilors said the amendment would represent a significant change in land-use process and asked for adequate time to review the solicitor's draft, hear public comment and coordinate with planning and legal staff. The council did not take a final vote on the amendment on Oct. 2 and formally continued the matter for further review and public hearings at the Oct. 20 meeting.

The council instructed staff to circulate the solicitor's draft to members and to work with the planning department to assemble staff analysis and public-notice materials for the continued hearing.