Hudson subcommittee proposes District 11 zoning for South Darrow/Joann site

A council subcommittee presented a draft zoning approach for the south Darrow/Route 91 corridor at the Aug. 26 Hudson workshop, aiming to guide redevelopment of the large former Joann facility and adjacent parcels.

A subcommittee presenter said council created the group in April to refine comp‑plan zoning recommendations for the southern end of town and to ensure a community vision is in place before a new tenant or redevelopment occurs. The presenter noted the Joann building is approximately 1,400,000 square feet and that the owner is actively marketing the site.

The draft — labeled proposed District 11 in the packet — is described as a transitional, office‑industrial‑focused mixed‑use district meant to support surrounding residences and industrial uses rather than become a major destination. The district would permit commercial support services and allow housing only through a plan development review, a higher‑bar approval path that advances to council after planning commission review.

Council members said the subcommittee reviewed every existing use definition and sought to strike a balance between flexibility and protections for surrounding neighborhoods. Council agreed to a schedule for the text amendment: review draft 9/09, first reading 9/16 and referral to the planning commission.

Next steps: Staff will publish the draft district text for review; council members were encouraged to read the line‑by‑line use chart in the memo and contact subcommittee members or community development staff with questions ahead of the Sept. 9 review.