Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Galleria Rezoning Deis topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Board refers Galleria rezoning DEIS to Common Council, urges stronger public benefits
Summary
The board reviewed the draft environmental impact statement and zoning amendment petition for the Galleria district, discussed density, affordable housing and pilot tax issues, and voted to draft a letter to the Common Council supporting the zoning change while urging greater public benefits such as increased affordable housing or open space.
The Planning Board reviewed the draft environmental impact statement and proposed zoning amendments for the Galleria site and voted to prepare a letter to the Common Council reflecting the board’s comments and recommendations.
Mark Weingarten, attorney for Galleria City Holdings LLC, summarized the applicants’ position that many details remain for the Common Council to finalize and said the DEIS and conceptual development plan provide a framework for negotiation. “There have been a number of suggestions as to what would be the appropriate mix of amenities and other things that the city is looking for,” Weingarten said, and he described ongoing discussions about affordable‑housing strategy and phased pilot agreements.
Board members asked about special permit uses, floor‑area‑ratio comparisons to the TD‑1 (Hamilton Green) zone, and whether the pilot agreement and long construction timeline could affect city revenues. One board member noted the city’s comprehensive plan (onewhiteplanes.com) includes an initiative calling for higher density on sites such as the Galleria, while others pressed for a commensurate increase in public benefits. “I would suggest that we would be in favor of this project,” one member said, while another urged adding “some more affordable housing” and a requirement of commensurate public benefits if density bonuses are allowed.
The board voted to draft a referral letter to the Common Council. The board’s chair and members emphasized that the zoning amendment and any density bonuses should be tied to explicit public benefits — for example, affordable housing, open space or infrastructure improvements — and noted the Common Council will need to address pilot terms, phasing and any funding or bond provisions during site‑plan review.
The item will proceed to the Common Council for public hearings; the board encouraged members of the public to attend the council’s February 3 session where the DEIS and zoning amendment hearings will continue.
