Members revive long-running discussion about expanding commercial zone along Route 28

Committee members renewed a long-standing discussion about whether to expand the town’s commercial zoning up Route 28 to accommodate future commercial growth.

Paul Moncioni and other members said the idea has been discussed for years and that recent commercial development makes advancing the conversation timely. "Rezoning has been an issue for many, many years. And I think there's a consensus that people feel that rezoning is appropriate and it should take place," Moncioni said. He proposed the committee identify concrete next steps—feasibility study, outreach, or a dedicated working group—to move the idea from discussion to action.

Members debated scope and process. Some said a separate rezoning working group or using the Master Plan Implementation Committee would be an appropriate forum to gather community input and formulate a concrete proposal. The committee noted rezoning is contentious and requires substantial outreach.

What happened: the committee asked staff and members to add consideration of Route 28 rezoning to the work list and suggested bringing the Master Plan Implementation Committee into the discussion to determine next steps, including whether a feasibility study or public outreach is warranted.

What it means: expanding the commercial zone could concentrate commercial activity in a contiguous corridor rather than scattering it; any rezoning would require substantial public outreach, potential additional committees, and formal zoning amendment procedures.

Next steps: committee members suggested the Master Plan Implementation Committee consider rezoning next steps and report back; staff will coordinate scheduling and suggest a path forward for community engagement if the implementation committee recommends proceeding.