Committee asks administration to return with options for an institutional master plan

The Economic Development Committee considered a communication from the city manager about creating an institutional master plan to increase transparency and public engagement with large institutions such as universities and hospitals.

City Solicitor Alexandra Calconis (on the dais) and staff outlined three principal approaches: (1) local "town‑and‑gown" style public meetings to coordinate with institutions; (2) amending the zoning ordinance to require institutions above a size threshold to submit 5‑ or 10‑year master plans for Planning Board review and public comment; and (3) pursuing special legislation (a home‑rule petition) to establish a discretionary special‑permit process similar to approaches used in Cambridge and Boston. The solicitor noted Cambridge’s approach relies on specific special legislation and that any request for Dover Act exemption or other state exemptions would need to be drafted with specificity.

Peter Dunn said the intent is to create a process that increases notice and community engagement without preventing institutions from acquiring property. Mike Gain of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce spoke in support of an institutional master plan, saying it would protect local businesses and residents by improving transparency around nonprofit expansion and tax‑exempt property changes.

The committee asked the administration to provide a recommended path forward and return within about 30 days with options and suggested language. The request was made as a chairman’s order and passed on a roll call vote.