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Council approves first passage of B1 business-neighborhood zoning changes after mixed debate
Summary
After extended debate about neighborhood character and walkability, the council approved first passage of amendments to B1 business-neighborhood zoning by roll call, 8 yeas, 2 nays and 1 absent.
The Salem City Council voted for first passage on Feb. 27 to amend B1 business-neighborhood zoning to allow a broader set of neighborhood amenities in existing B1 areas, a measure proponents said would support walkable neighborhoods.
Councilor Cohen moved first passage and framed the change as recognizing existing businesses and allowing neighborhood services such as small grocers and childcare in B1 zones. "Much of what we love about Salem was created long before modern zoning codes were ever put in place," Cohen said, adding the amendment would help preserve and encourage neighborhood amenities.
Opponents said the change risks altering the character of some areas. Councilor Jerzilow, who represents an area containing Derby Street, said the neighborhood’s history includes many businesses that have already converted to housing and warned that changing the ordinance could reverse that progress. "This history shows how commercial spaces have transitioned into much needed housing," Jerzilow said, and he stated he would not support the amendment for his ward.
The roll-call vote on first passage was 8 yeas, 2 nays and 1 absent. Councilors who voted against the first passage urged more targeted or geographic-specific approaches but acknowledged legal limits on spot zoning. The city will proceed to subsequent procedural steps required for final passage.
