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Council schedules process step on Salem Street rezoning amid strong neighborhood pushback
Summary
Councilor Scarpelli moved that the council publish a timeline and set a date certain for a vote on Community Development Board recommendations for the Salem Street corridor; public commenters urged caution, proposed MX1 as a compromise and raised traffic and noise concerns. The council received the motion and placed it on file, with further procedural advertising required before a decision.
Councilor Scarpelli introduced a motion Oct. 28 asking the council to publish a timeline and set a date certain for its vote on recommendations from the Community Development Board for the Salem Street corridor.
Scarpelli told the council that the required advertising period is 14 days and reported that notices had already been distributed; she suggested the council could hold the next hearing on the 12th if posting requirements proceed as expected.
Public comment that followed was largely skeptical of a jump from MX1 to MX2 zoning. A Salem Street resident identified as Andy warned the corridor could become “like Somerville,” citing congestion concerns. Robert Carney, who said he is affiliated with the Community Development Board, urged a phased approach (adopt MX1 first, consider MX2 later) and called for comprehensive traffic studies rather than relying solely on developer‑sponsored studies. Ken Garrow, who said he lives nearby, said he supports advancing rezoning but encouraged better communication from the mayor’s office and said compromise could be acceptable.
Councilors received and placed the motion on file after public comment; the council noted statutory posting requirements and the need for further meetings with the city solicitor and additional public notice before any final vote.
The council did not adopt a final zoning change at this meeting; members signaled further procedural steps and additional hearings would be necessary before any ordinance or vote.
