Susan Shalafuseff, chair of the Legal Affairs Committee, opened a continued public hearing on Petition 9-26 — a request to amend the MU2 zoning district — and read multiple letters both opposing and supporting the proposed change.

Why it matters: The proposed amendment would reintroduce requirements (including ground-floor nonresidential uses and special permits) that supporters say are necessary to protect abutters, buffers and city oversight. Opponents say the rollback would undo zoning changes adopted earlier in 2025 that developers relied on in good faith.

Residents testifying said they do not oppose housing but want stronger local controls. "No one here wants to stop housing. We just want the basic allowances that every other homeowner in this city is afforded," said Hailey Bridal, who asked for larger buffers, stormwater protections and sidewalks to protect children near bus stops. Liz MacKarella said residents were not included in the housing committee process and that the change removed abutter notice and the planning board's special-permit authority.

Developers and their counsel urged the council to reject the petition. Chris Rain of Goulston & Storrs, representing long-time property owner Greg Liscotti, told the council the prior MU2 amendments followed a planning process and that site-plan review is rigorous. "We respectfully request that the proposed amendments be not approved by this council," he said. Spencer Holland, counsel for Wood Partners, said his client proceeded with substantial engineering, architecture and permit work in reliance on the January 2025 zoning; "To change the zoning now, after my client has done everything the city has required of them, and thrust the project into nonconforming status, would undermine confidence in the city's permitting process," Holland said.

The Planning Board previously voted 4–3 not to recommend the council adopt Petition 9-26. The board's split vote and recent public testimony formed much of the discussion.

What the council did: After hearing testimony from residents, developers and counsel, the Legal Affairs Committee recommended keeping the public hearing open to allow Elizabeth Wood, the Planning Director, to appear and answer council questions. The council voted to continue the public hearing and scheduled it for December 8 at 6:30 p.m.

What's next: The council will hear the Planning Director and additional testimony on Dec. 8. No final vote on the MU2 amendment was taken at the Nov. 24 meeting.