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Consultants launch Freedom Small Area Plan amendment process, seek priorities on redevelopment and overlay standards
Summary
Downtown Redevelopment Services presented an introductory review of the Freedom commercial core and invited commissioner feedback on redevelopment priorities, overlay zoning concepts, transportation and pedestrian improvements; public open house and survey were announced.
Downtown Redevelopment Services (DRS) consultants Nathan (planning lead) and Ben Levinger introduced a small‑area plan amendment for Freedom’s commercial core at the Aug. 5 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, asking commissioners for priorities to guide draft overlay zoning and design standards.
Nathan said the project will build on the 2018 plan and focus on where redevelopment should occur, how to manage transitions to adjacent single‑family neighborhoods, and whether an overlay district is appropriate. "The purpose of the project is to really build upon the 2018 plan," he told the commission as he explained study‑area boundaries, market data and redevelopment typologies.
Discussion with commissioners highlighted signs of strong commercial demand, concerns about curb cuts and pedestrian safety on Route 26, and a desire to protect existing industrial/employment areas. Commissioners raised tradeoffs between encouraging higher‑quality multifamily housing on deeper lots and preserving single‑family neighborhoods; consultants recommended a mix of horizontal mixed‑use, targeted density and transition standards to shield adjacent homes. The consultants said draft overlay concepts and preferred approaches will be developed over the fall and returned in mid–late October for review.
