Council denies rezoning request for 148 Flagpond Road, 5-2

Councilor Hatch moved to deny a petition by Aaron Gregory to rezone a portion of 148 Flagpond Road (Map 76, Lot 12‑2) from the Industrial (I) zoning district to Low Density Residential (LDR). The motion was seconded by Councilor Johnston. After extended debate and reference to the planning board recommendation, the council voted to deny the petition, 5-2.

Why it matters: The parcel sits on the edge of an area the council and planning board have discussed for industrial access and future development. Councilors in favor of denial argued the industrial zoning supports long‑term access to back lots and preserves industrial capacity for jobs and tax base; councilors opposing denial cited existing residences and housing concerns.

Key remarks: Councilor Hatch noted the planning board had conducted a "thorough analysis" and recommended denying the petition. Councilor Gunn, whose ward includes the site, said the parcel should remain available for industrial use to preserve the city's industrial footprint and future tax base. Councilor Johnston recited the history of zoning changes in the area, saying the council had previously approved industrial zoning to enable access and longer‑term planning and that repeated rezoning could create uncertainty for both residents and future industrial development.

Vote: Roll call recorded yes votes to deny from Councilor Edwards, Councilor Gunn, Councilor Berman, Councilor Hatch and Councilor Johnston. Councilor Parks and Councilor Hewitt voted no. The motion to deny therefore passed 5-2.

Next steps: The denial leaves the parcel in the Industrial zoning district; any future rezoning petition would be a separate proceeding. The planning board's recommendation and council discussion are now part of the public record.