Planning board urges trustees to consider six‑unit option downtown; trustees flag parking concerns

Trustees heard Planning Board feedback on proposed zoning amendments for downtown parcels that would allow small apartment buildings and mixed‑use development.

Valerie summarized the Planning Board’s view: the board is broadly supportive of the concept but urged trustees to consider whether mixed‑use requirements (retail on the ground floor) should remain mandatory or whether stand‑alone six‑unit residential buildings should be allowed in select locations. Staff noted lot size constraints, setback and height limits, and that only a few lots could physically accommodate larger unit counts.

Why it matters: trustees noted potential effects on neighborhood parking, stressing that any zoning change must be considered in tandem with the ongoing parking policy review and the multimodal hub (additional parking spaces expected in 2027). Several board members cautioned that allowing more residential units without commensurate parking solutions could exacerbate existing shortages.

Next steps: staff suggested scheduling a public hearing when trustees are ready; the area remains under a moratorium and staff said the proposal could proceed through the normal local law and public hearing process if the board chooses to call it. Staff also noted a local property owner had expressed interest in moving forward under new zoning, which may affect the timing of hearings.