Developers present West Clock Plant overlay concept; neighbors and preservationists ask for firm protections

Developers of the former West Clock (Westox) factory presented a concept on July 2 to remove the southern portion of an existing planned development (PD) and replace it with a custom overlay district intended to enable adaptive reuse of the large historic factory building and complementary new uses on adjacent land. The proposal — presented in comment‑only form — would allow commercial‑general base zoning with an overlay that tailors allowed uses, height, and parking to support ground‑floor residential, indoor/outdoor events, small‑scale commercial recreation and other town‑center uses.

Developers said the overlay is intended to avoid further demolition by neglect of the long‑vacant factory, to preserve key masonry walls and to activate the site with community‑oriented programming. They said they aim to avoid additional paving and instead prioritize pedestrian‑focused public space and flexible reuse of the existing structure. Renderings showed façade rehabilitation and new infill at the site while keeping much of the building shell.

Neighbors and preservationists praised the prospect of investment but urged explicit preservation guarantees for the factory’s historic fabric, expressed concern that a generic overlay could permit higher‑density apartment development that would erase the building, and asked the applicants to clarify parking limits and greenway commitments. Staff noted an outstanding PD obligation to provide a future greenway alignment across adjacent parcels that are not owned by the applicants; commissioners and applicants agreed to refine overlay language and preservation assurances and to work with staff on a plan that balances adaptive reuse, parking management, and future greenway connectivity.

This item was heard for comment only; no action was taken. Staff and the applicants agreed to return with revised overlay language and clearer preservation commitments.