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Town meeting rejects zoning change for 44 Skyline Drive that would have allowed eight small houses
Summary
Voters defeated a motion to change zoning at 44 Skyline Drive that would have allowed eight small, employee/affordable houses to be built with town trust funding; debate focused on density, sewer access and historic neighborhood character.
Town Meeting on May 5 defeated a proposal to rezone a parcel at 44 Skyline Drive to permit eight small houses intended for employee/affordable housing. The motion to adopt Mr. Williams' proposal was defeated in a recorded vote: yes 113, no 507.
Supporters said the project would produce relatively modest houses of about 1,200–1,500 square feet and include a planned discount sale to the Affordable Housing Trust. Proponent Matt Williams said this was his third attempt to develop the site for affordable housing and that the project had been downzoned from earlier, denser plans to respond to neighbors. He told Town Meeting the houses could be available quickly if supported.
Opponents, including residents from Skyline Drive and nearby neighborhoods, said the lot is currently in LUG-2 (two-acre zoning) and that rezoning to R-20 (20,000 sq. ft. lots) would be spot zoning that markedly changes neighborhood character. Neighbors raised concerns about increased traffic, lack of sidewalks and public transit access, and potential ground contamination because the property previously hosted an asphalt pit and junkyard. "To put eight houses in here would completely alter the neighborhood," said Graeme Kilbert, a Skyline Drive resident.
Town staff and boards weighed in during debate. Christie Ferentella, municipal housing director, said the Affordable Housing Trust had not yet reviewed a full financing proposal for the project and that any trust funding would require a standard review with financial advisers and bond counsel. The Planning Board had recommended taking no action on the zoning change.
The moderator explained procedural timing for speakers and placed proponents at front microphones to help manage debate. After the vote, the motion was recorded as not adopted and the meeting moved to the next agenda item.
The vote ends action on this zoning map amendment; proponents said they may continue to pursue housing options within the zoning framework.
