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Committee votes 7‑2 to ban contractors' yards in IA and IB industrial zones
Summary
The ordinance committee approved an amendment to change 'Contractors' Yard' from allowed to not allowed (Y→N) in IA and IB zones with a roll‑call vote of 7 to 2; existing businesses remain preexisting nonconforming uses pending legal review.
The Committee on Ordinances voted to change the zoning table so that 'Contractors' Yard' is listed as not allowed (N) in IA and IB industrial zones.
Councillor Linda Morad moved the amendment, and the motion was seconded by Councillor Giesta. Attorney David Garatowski reminded members that existing operators would remain preexisting nonconforming uses but said he would review whether broader prohibitions are consistent with state law. As Morad argued during debate, the change aims to prevent quality‑of‑life impacts where industrial yards abut residential areas: “what we have in several locations across the city today… contractors yards in places that are abutted by residential districts… they access these yards at 6AM,” she said.
The clerk called a roll‑call vote. Recorded votes were: Abell — No; Bergle — No; Carney — Yes; Turquette — Yes; Giesta — Yes; Gomes — Yes; Lopes — Yes; Morad — Yes; Perreira — Yes. The motion passed 7 to 2. The committee directed the city solicitor to prepare ordinance language and to ensure the table and ordinance are consistent before the measure reaches the full council.
