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Planning Board endorses Smart Growth (40R) zoning for former shelter site, recommends City Council approval
Summary
The Salem Planning Board voted to recommend adoption of a Smart Growth overlay (40R) zoning district for the site of the existing shelter, citing the value of 40R as a tool to allow the city to participate constructively in a proposed redevelopment and supportive housing project.
The Salem City Planning Board voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a Smart Growth overlay district (40R) for the site discussed at a recent joint public hearing, which the board said will allow the city to shape redevelopment and supportive housing proposals for the former shelter site. Elena Eimrut, senior planner, answered board questions and clarified referral and review processes.
Board members expressed a range of views but supported the recommendation on the grounds that 40R provides the municipality more structured input on the project than other pathways (including potential use of the Dover Amendment). Members stressed that a 40R overlay does not bind the city to a single developer and that any redevelopment proposal will proceed through the city's standard site-plan review processes, including required DRB review and further referrals.
The board directed staff to draft a recommendation endorsing 40R and to emphasize that subsequent site-plan review and standard local procedures will provide additional opportunity for design, programmatic and neighborhood review. The board voted in favor on a roll-call vote.
The recommendation will be transmitted to City Council for final action; the planning board noted it expects to continue participating in subsequent site-plan review and referrals if and when a project partner advances a formal proposal.
