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Council approves zoning change to let Unity Park expand parking at 214 Franklin Street
Summary
The Bristol Town Council voted to rezone the rear portion of 214 Franklin Street to an urban-rehab overlay so Unity Park can incorporate the land for park circulation and parking; the existing two-family house will remain in R-6 residential.
The Bristol Town Council on Sept. 10 adopted a zoning map change to allow the southerly portion of the property at 214 Franklin Street to move from an R-6 residential zone to an Urban Rehab LDP (land development project) overlay so the land can be incorporated into Unity Park for parking and circulation.
The rezoning was presented by Diane Williamson, director of community development, who said the change is part of Unity Park’s redevelopment plan and would allow the park to incorporate an adjacent parcel for parking that the current residential zoning prohibits. William Dennis, attorney for the applicant 214 Franklin LLC, told the council the proposal will keep the existing two-family house fronting Franklin Street in the R-6 zone and subdivide roughly 10,000 square feet for that house while rezoning about 26,000 square feet in the rear to the overlay so it can be used with the park. “This will assist us in developing the successful Unity Park, and it will also support the economic interests of the town,” Dennis said.
Council members said the planning board and the Historic District Commission recommended the change. The council noted the proposal keeps the existing house and preserves housing while allowing the park’s expansion. After public hearing and discussion, the council voted to approve the zoning map change. Motion: approve zoning map change for the southerly portion of 214 Franklin Street from R-6 to Urban Rehab LDP overlay; motion made by Tony, seconded by Mary; vote: all in favor.
Why it matters: Adopting the overlay lets Unity Park expand parking adjacent to park facilities without requiring special exceptions from a residential zone. The change also preserves the street-facing dwelling in the residential zone, a point the council emphasized during the hearing.
Next steps: If the rezoning is approved tonight, the applicant will return to complete the master-plan review and final subdivision actions required to incorporate the parcel into the Unity Park redevelopment.
Speakers at the public hearing and during council discussion included Diane Williamson, William Dennis and council members who moved and seconded the motion. The planning board’s recommendation is part of the public record.
