Everett Council Refers Plan for Temporary Moratorium on Larger Residential Projects to Administration

The Everett City Council voted to refer a resolution that would consider a moratorium on new residential developments of four units or more to the administration so staff and sponsors can develop criteria and report back by mid‑June.

The resolution (item 17), sponsored by Councilors Gerlyn and Peter Petitano, responds to repeated public comments that current zoning and permitting have allowed large projects with insufficient parking and that the current housing stock is unaffordable to many long‑time residents. In public comment, residents repeatedly called for a moratorium and cited specific projects they say exemplify the problem; one speaker pointed to a 20 Chelsea Street development approved with limited parking.

Council members cautioned against rushing to a blanket ban. David Senatilaka urged moderation and noted that zoning and special‑permit processes exist and can be adjusted through a deliberative process involving subject matter experts. Councilors agreed to refer the resolution to the administration, asking for staff to work with the sponsors to craft measurable criteria and return with recommendations (the council requested a mid‑June response). The referral preserves options ranging from targeted zoning tweaks to a broader moratorium, depending on the criteria developed.

The administration will be asked to engage the planning board and sponsors to present options that balance neighborhood impacts, affordable housing production and municipal revenue implications.