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Council rejects Recupero’s R‑1 zoning amendment after heated debate
Summary
The council voted to reject a councilor‑introduced amendment to R‑1 zoning that Recupero said would unlock about 900 parcels for smaller‑lot homes; the planning board had twice recommended against the change and the roll‑call failed to reach the required two‑thirds threshold.
The Chelsea City Council on April 27 voted down an amendment introduced by Councilor Recupero that would have reduced lot‑size thresholds in R‑1 zoning and, his office said, "unlock" roughly 900 parcels for one‑ and two‑family housing.
Recupero framed the amendment as an effort to expand homebuilding opportunities across the city and challenged what he called a two‑tier development standard. "Eventually, this is gonna happen," Recupero said, urging councilors to allow different housing types in neighborhoods. He criticized perceived inconsistency in approving large projects while limiting small multi‑family infill.
Opponents, including Councilor Taylor and several colleagues, asked the council to reject the amendment, pointing out the planning board had rejected it twice and that the proposal would change the character of existing R‑1 neighborhoods. "This is really not a good idea," Councilor Taylor said, arguing the council should preserve R‑1 integrity and pursue a comprehensive zoning review instead.
Roll‑call result: The clerk reported 2 votes in favor, 6 opposed, 2 absent and 1 member voting present; eight votes were required for adoption under state law. Because the threshold was unmet, the amendment failed under Mass. Gen. Laws chapter 40A. The clerk also reminded the council that an amendment unfavorably acted upon by the council cannot be reconsidered for two years unless previously recommended by the planning board.
What this means: The council’s rejection preserves the current R‑1 standards and signals interest among a majority of councilors in a broader, citywide zoning conversation rather than piecemeal changes. Supporters of Recupero’s ideas said they will keep bringing zoning changes forward.
Ending: With the amendment defeated, councilors urged continued work on citywide zoning reform and outreach; several members said they support growth, but want it addressed through comprehensive code updates rather than the instant change proposed.
