Planning board sends town‑initiated Route 32 rezoning (Amendment 6) to 2026 warrant

At a public hearing the Swansea Planning Board voted to place Amendment 6, a town‑initiated proposal to rezone a block of properties on Route 32 into the residence district, on the 2026 warrant for voters to decide.

The chair read the amendment and parcel list aloud. Residents asked clarifying questions about which lots are affected and whether abutters were properly notified; the board confirmed legal notice to affected lots. Matthew Carr and other residents raised questions about landlocked parcels and whether changing rural‑ag parcels to residential would meaningfully enable development without new roads.

Planning Board member Victoria Ames said she found residents’ arguments persuasive and noted that the original zoning for the area dates to 1947. “The decision to zone this area was made in 1947, which was 78 years ago, and times have changed,” she said, arguing the change would make some nonconforming lots conforming and better align land use with existing development.

Other board members raised concerns that rezoning reduces business/industrial land and could conflict with master‑plan objectives to concentrate growth where sewer and water are available. The board discussed that detailed infrastructure and density issues are evaluated at the subdivision or site‑plan stage.

After questions and discussion the planning board moved and seconded putting Amendment 6 on the 2026 warrant; the motion passed and the amendment will be decided by town voters.