Planning board to remove ECBD overlay zones, rework redevelopment plan and reject 90-foot height allowances

Somerville's Planning Board on March 11 returned to an area-needs study for the Eastern Central Business District (ECBD) and debated revisions to multiple overlay zones and redevelopment-plan language. The board generally supported removing legacy overlay zoning and reverting to clear base zoning by lot and block, with specific redevelopment plans (such as Kirby Avenue) to list permitted uses per lot.

Several members said 90-foot building allowances in older overlays are inappropriate for Somerville. Chairperson Warner said, "I don't feel a 90 foot building anywhere in Somerville at this point is appropriate," expressing a view shared by multiple board members that the town should reconsider older height and density allowances. Members also recommended removing lots already built (Cobalt, Station House, Warren Street) from redevelopment listings and requested updated, recent aerial maps to reflect the current built environment.

The board asked staff (Mike) to produce revised colored base-zone maps, update block-and-lot listings, and prepare a redlined package for the next meeting that incorporates flood-hazard lines and more precise schedule A/B uses. The discussion emphasized aligning zoning with the borough's present development reality and considering flood-hazard constraints in future density or use recommendations.

Next steps: staff will update maps and the packet for further review at the next meeting; the board indicated a preference for rewriting the ECBD plan with per-lot/block permitted uses and limiting or removing overlay-driven height incentives.