Planning Board Report to Council regarding Zoning Amendment - Section 8 - Bridge Street Neck Overlay District (BSNOD) CITY OF SALEM
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Report of the Planning Board to City Council
Re: Bridge Street Neck Overlay District
April 15, 2022
At its meeting on April 14, 2022,the Planning Board discussed a proposed amendment to the
Zoning Ordinance to amend Section 8,Special District Regulations, to add Section 8.7,
establishing the Bridge Street Neck Overlay District, which was referred from the April 13, 2022,
joint public hearing with the City Council.
The Planning Board voted seven (7) in favor(Bill Griset, Helen Sides, Sarah Tarbet,Todd Waller,
Carole Hamilton, Kirt Rieder,Zach Caunter) and one (1) opposed (Tom Furey)to recommend
that the City Council adopt the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance,with the
following comments:
- Strike administrative review;
- Transition Building Design Standards to guidelines;
o If retained as "Standards" any change would require an amendment.This change
is meant to create flexibility and the opportunity for updates.
- Planned Unit Development (PUD):The Planning Board does not recommend prohibiting
PUDs in the overlay district because it is unnecessarily restrictive to the few parcels that
might benefit.
- Density:The Planning Board recommends a lot area per dwelling unit below 1700
square feet to encourage walkability and affordability.
- Design Review Board:The Planning Board feels that the DRB issuing a design
recommendation is sufficient.
- Substitute hedging for shrubbery.
- Differentiate between common, open, and vehicular spaces.
If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact Tom Daniel, AICP, Director of
Planning& Community Development, at 978-619-5685.
Sincerely,
William Griset
Chair
CC: Ilene Simons, City Clerk