The Gloucester Planning Board opened a public hearing Nov. 20 on a proposed amendment to the city’s zoning map that would change multiple east‑side parcels on East Main Street from Marine Industrial (MI) to Neighborhood Business (NB). Councilor Jeff Worthley introduced the petition, saying the parcels are landlocked and that state review previously found the area unsuited to marine‑industrial uses.

Speakers who supported the change, including longtime resident Louis Linquada and a written letter from a resident, said the parcels function as residential or small‑business lots and that rezoning would create consistent neighborhood business frontage. Supporters argued the change would not remove any waterfront uses and would allow modest, locally owned businesses and housing options.

Several marine‑industry business owners and managers opposed the rezoning. Kyle Grant, who said he owns marine‑industrial properties and operates as a commercial fisherman, warned that rezoning islanded marine parcels would undermine opportunities for water‑dependent uses and set an unwelcome precedent for Gloucester’s working waterfront. Marcy Prejent and an absent tenant (Cape Ann Lobstermen) submitted opposition letters emphasizing the business and employment role of working‑waterfront parcels.

Board members said they needed more on‑the‑ground information. They agreed to coordinate a site visit to East Main Street to inspect the parcels in question and voted to continue the public hearing to the board’s next regular meeting on Dec. 4 so residents and the board can examine the area and additional materials before making a recommendation to city council.