Planning commission asks staff to study assisted‑living overlay to limit new facilities

The Hudson Planning Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 8 to ask staff to draft an overlay district that would narrow where assisted‑living, continuing‑care and institutional residential uses may be allowed. The referral responds to a provision in the city’s comprehensive plan that recommends limiting new large‑scale living facilities in parts of the city where emergency‑service impacts and compatibility are concerns.

Staff member Mr. Hannon briefed the commission on options to revise definitions and limit districts where such uses would be permitted. He noted that focusing uses in District 3 would concentrate these facilities closer to first‑responder services; the fire chief had indicated the concern is volume of calls rather than travel time. Staff also flagged that District 8 is currently intended as an income‑tax generating district and that the commission may want to preserve that district for employment uses.

Commissioners discussed the practical boundaries of an overlay (one suggestion: a radius or an overlay that uses the Turnpike as a northern boundary) and whether Districts 4 and 5 should be included. The commission adopted an amendment to the staff motion excluding Districts 4 and 5, and the full motion to have staff prepare an overlay proposal carried 7–0. Staff will return with a draft overlay map and recommended code language for future review.