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Council hears planning director on housing chapter; consultants cite ~1,500-unit 30-year need
Summary
Planning Director Trish Reynolds and Libra consultants presented a proposed housing chapter to update the comprehensive plan, citing population growth and a projected need for roughly 1,500 additional units over 30 years; councilors asked for workshops and more data before final passage.
The City Council held a public hearing and first reading on proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan's housing chapter after a presentation by Trish Reynolds, the city's planning director, and consultants from Libra Planners. Reynolds summarized the process — community survey, public meetings, planning-board review — and said state law requires a comp plan that guides zoning and policy.
"We looked at a planning horizon of 30 years...we need to have an additional 1,500 approximately units," Reynolds said during questions about targets for housing supply. Consultants and staff recommended a mix of strategies including encouraging two- and three-family homes in the urban core, targeting underutilized commercial lots (notably the North End and Gateway Center), and supporting affordable and workforce housing that meets state goals.
Councilors split on whether to take first passage that night or schedule a workshop for extended Q&A. Councilor Romley moved for a workshop to allow more detailed review; other members noted the ordinance procedure requires two readings and staff said consultants are on a timeline linked to grant funding. The council proceeded with first passage of the ordinance as the vehicle to incorporate the chapter, leaving time for follow-up and potential adjustments ahead of second reading.
