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Council committee advances Forest Street Residential Overlay zoning amendment; solicitor to draft formal language
Summary
The Urban Affairs and Housing Committee advanced a proposed Forest Street Residential Overlay District with a 400‑unit cap (option for 50 townhouses), larger setbacks and a reduced height limit; the council voted to refer the amended draft to the City Solicitor for proper form.
Members of the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee and applicants discussed a proposed zoning amendment to create a Forest Street Residential Overlay District (FSROD). Attorneys for Redgate Real Estate Advisors and company representatives described the proposal and the planning board provided a generally favorable recommendation subject to modifications.
Committee members emphasized a cap on overall unit count. "Provided that the total number of units within the entire FSROD shall not exceed 400," a committee motion added; the committee also allowed for an option of up to 50 townhouse‑style units. The planning board's recommended modifications included increasing perimeter property setbacks (from 20 ft to 50 ft in several places) and reducing the maximum building height to 60 ft, exclusive of rooftop mechanicals.
Councilor Robey, who reported the committee's discussion, said the committee would forward the amended language to the solicitor for legal review and preparation for the July meeting. The council voted to suspend the rules and refer the amendment to the City Solicitor to be placed in proper legal form; the referral carried 10‑0.
The action at this meeting advanced the draft through committee review and legal drafting; councilors said additional revisions and formal readings would follow once the solicitor prepares the ordinance language.
