The Board of Aldermen on Aug. 18 voted to refer a proposed update to the city’s land‑use map and related zoning provisions back to the Charter & Ordinance Committee after members of the public raised concerns at a public hearing about setbacks, neighborhood impacts and communications.

Planning staff said the draft includes limited map changes — notably four Meadow Street parcels (including Loretta Home) moving from a Park district to a multi‑residential district — and that state statute requires particular density allowances (including permitted multifamily review) and informed some setback adjustments that reduce front and side yard distances. Staff noted the zoning changes are intended to align the city with recent state statutes and to support housing options; they also said a more comprehensive zoning revision will follow the municipal plan update.

Aldermen asked for clearer maps and for a chance to hear from neighbors who spoke at the hearing; several aldermen asked staff to invite speakers back for committee-level discussion. The board directed the item to Charter & Ordinance to allow more detailed review, public outreach and questions about districting, setbacks and the draft map before another public hearing.

Discussion: The planning director emphasized the limits set by state law regarding units-per-acre and multifamily allowances. Several aldermen said they needed time to review the reformatted document and to examine maps in greater detail before taking final action. The referral passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Charter & Ordinance will schedule further review, invite interested speakers, and prepare a clarified map and reformatted draft for committee consideration and future public hearing(s).